FC Barcelona defeated Milan 3-1 to book a trip to their fifth consecutive Champions League Semi-Finals. Barça took the lead in the 10th minute when Messi converted from the spot after he was brought down inside the box by Antonini. Milan got their crucial away goal in the 32nd minute courtesy of Nocerino. Fortunately, Barça took the lead again, and for good, when they were awarded a second penalty a few minutes before the break when Nesta was caught pulling Busquets’s shirt inside the box. Messi once again stepped up and converted his penalty for his record tying 14th goal in Champions League. Blaugrana fans were able to relax a bit when Iniesta grabbed his side the insurance goal eight minutes into the second half. The only sour note was Pique’s substitution in the second half after he felt some discomfort in his leg but the club reported afterwards that he did not suffer a long term injury. So the Semi-Finals beckon again and Barça will know tomorrow if their opponents will be either Chelsea or Benfica. Barcelona will now shift their attention to league play when they travel away to Real Zaragoza this weekend.

FC Barcelona held their training session this morning behind closed doors as they prepare for their cup tie against Real Madrid later on today. Today’s training session had a surprise visitor when club legend, Luis Suarez, dropped to watch the session. 19 players have been picked by Guardiola in preparation for today’s encounter with 17 first team players along with Barça B players Jonathan Dos Santos, and Sergi Roberto. In other news, Pepe was also cleared to play today since he was not punished by the RFEF for his actions after stepping on Messi’s hand in the first leg. The game kicks off at 4 PM and you can watch it with your fellow Barça fans at Fritz & Franz. GolTV and ESPN Deportes will also be broadcasting the game along with live streaming on ESPN 3.