Lionel Messi scored two goals for Barcelona as they secured their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a comfortable win over AC Milan. Messi ended his four-game goal drought when he converted a penalty after Neymar had been fouled by Ignazio Abate. Sergio Busquets headed in the second from Xavi's free-kick but the lead was reduced when Kaka's cross was turned into his own net by Gerard Pique. Messi wrapped things up after the break when he clipped in his second goal after a delightful one-two with Cesc Fabregas.
The result extends Barca's lead at the top of Group H to five points over Milan, who have five points with two games to play. The Italian side now travel to Celtic knowing that getting the three points could also see them progress into the next round. The result at Camp Nou was never in doubt though, Barcelona had 63% possession and 19 shots on target, a truly dominant performance.
Neymar came close early on but his strike was blocked by Urby Emanuelson, then keeper Christian Abbiati then denied Neymar and Alexis Sanchez before Barca finally managed to break the deadlock from the penalty spot. Barca then doubled the lead when midfielder Busquets headed past Abbiati from Xavi's free-kick. Milan were brought back into the match just before half time when Pique turned Kaka's low delivery into his own net. Barca continued their dominance after the break though, Abbiati denied Iniesta with a great save, then turned away Sanchez's shot before Messi finally settled the score.
Barcelona are 9/2 to win this season's Champions League at Bet365 while AC Milan are 66/1 to lift the famous trophy.
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