AC Milan 2 Barcelona 0: Milan take lead to the Nou Camp

AC Milan took a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona.

While Barca top the Primera Division by 12 points, Milan lie third in Serie A but Kevin-Prince Boateng’s controversial opening goal set the Italians on their way at the San Siro.

Sulley Muntari’s superb second then put Massimiliano Allegri’s side firmly in the driving seat ahead of March 12’s return leg at the Nou Camp.

The controversial opening goal came in the 57th minute.

Riccardo Montolivo’s shot took two deflections, the second off the raised arm of Cristian Zapata, before Boateng fired low past Victor Valdes. Gerard Pique was booked for protesting to Scottish referee Craig Thomson.

Milan found a second goal with nine minutes remaining as substitute M’Baye Niang and Stephane El Shaarawy combined to set up Muntari, who gave their beautiful approach play the classy finish it deserved.

Meanwhile Jermaine Jones’ strike in the last minute of the first half gave Schalke a slight advantage as they drew 1-1 with Galatasaray in the first leg in Turkey.