|
|
Moreno: Barcelona are rightly favourites for Milan tie
Feb 19, 2013 3:20:00 PM
The striker, who began his career at Camp Nou before moving to Italy, feels Tito Vilanova's team will be too strong, but he does not expect the tie to be over after the first leg
EXCLUSIVEby Pilar Suarez
Former Barcelona trainee and AC Milan striker Javi Moreno believes the Catalan giants will be too strong for their Italian opponents in the Champions League.
The 38-year-old never played for the Catalan giants first team but still holds a special place for them in his heart, and he told Goal.com he thinks the Liga leaders are rightly the favourites for the last-16 encounter.
"At the moment Barcelona are the favourites, but they are playing against one of the best clubs in the world," he said.
"I think they will have to play two good games as it will not be over tomorrow [Wednesday]. The result will be known in Barcelona and hopefully it will be a good one for Barca.
"They are conceding goals but this Barcelona team will also score more themselves. I think that Barcelona are far superior in the tie."
The former Atletico Madrid forward also feels Tito Vilanova's side have returned to form after defeat to Real Sociedad in January, and says the weight of fixtures led to a drop in performances.
Moreno added: "They play many games in midweek and then at the weekend. There are many moments in the season when teams have a downturn and I guess that is what Barcelona had then.
"It is difficult playing at Barcelona's phenomenal level all season, but because they have that level they won't fail."
Moreno spent just one year at San Siro before moving back to Spain, and with Mario Balotelli cup-tied and Stephan El Shaarawy in a race against time to be fit, the former Alaves man feels ex-Barcelona man Bojan Krkic could have a crucial role to play.
He added: "I do not know if Bojan will play. Milan have very good players up front and anyone can play well there.
"Clearly Bojan will be very motivated to play against his former team but it will be one more game where he will want to secure his team a win."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Cartoon: Tears and cheers as curtain closes on EPL
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
-
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
-
Bundesliga Team of the Week: Ribery stars again
Goal picks out the star performers from across Germany from a dramatic final matchday of action
-
Player Ratings: Siena 1-2 AC Milan
Goal was on hand to judge all the players as Allegri's men finished third in Serie A and secured a Champions League berth next season
