A superb second half performance saw AC Milan beat Barcelona 2-0 in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League match played at the San Siro. Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng opened the Milan account early in the second half only for his counterpart, Sulley Muntari to put the icing on the cake late on. Barcelona had dominated possession for most part of the first but it was Milan’s El-Shaarawy who wasted the best opportunity when he was put through. With just Valdes to beat El-Shaarawy had a terrible last touch which gave room for a late clearance by Puyol. Still it was the Italians who looked dangerous on the counter with Kevin coming close to scoring when his deft touch to sublime cross whisked just wide. Barcelona were hugely impressive with their delectable passing game but created little in front of goal. Back from recess it was Milan who were buoyed by the first half performance and took the game to the visitors. Kevin Boateng shot the home side ahead in the 56 minute when a perfectly taken free-kick took a ricochet of the Milan player before the Ghanaian connected. Muntari who had been a little silent in the game increased the Milan tally with a half volley on his superb left foot. 2-0 it ended in favour of the Italians, leaving Barcelona on a brink of being eliminated at the one sixteenth stage of the Champions League. They would have to score three unanswered goals before they can ensure a smooth qualification into the quarter final stage of the competition.