Classic matches: AC Milan vs Barcelona
ESPNSTAR.com takes a look at the past clashes between AC Milan and Barcelona that produced some of the best football seen in Europe.
Barcelona and AC Milan share quite a few common traits: both rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with domestic success (where their legendary teams were immortalised 'Dream Team' and 'Invincibles' respectively), had six Ballon d'Or-winning players each since its commencement and of course, shared a few players such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Football purists were treated to top-notch football displays when the two European giants met in the past. The occasion was revived in this year's UEFA Champions League when the current Champions League and La Liga holders were drawn with the Serie A winners in Group H.
We take a look back at some of these classic matches before the Champions League Group Stage kicks off on 13th September.
AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona
1993-1994 UEFA Champions League Final, Olympic Stadium, Athens
A classic that still ranks as one of the best performances in Champions League history saw the two immortalised teams face off for the title as Europe's best.
Both Milan and Barcelona were at their peak, winning their third and fourth consecutive domestic league respectively days before the match, but Johan Cruyff's Barcelona were heavily favoured to trounce Milan, who were missing many of their key players, Marco van Basten, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Brian Laudrup among them.
However, Milan's then-coach Fabio Capello's tactical genius came through for them as Daniele Massaro's first half double saw them ease past Barcelona with their narrow play and short passing, rendering the famed Barcelona midfield (which then included current Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola) impotent.
Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly then added to the goal tally in the second half to complete a shock demolition of the Dream Team.
AC Milan 3-3 Barcelona
2000-2001 Champions League Group Stage, San Siro
Much like the current season, both sides were drawn in Group H in the 2000-2001 Champions League draw.
The six-goal encounter saw Rivaldo give Barcelona an early lead before Demetrio Albertini, who was part of the 1994 team that beat Barcelona, equalise and give Milan the lead with two goals.
The Brazil legend then brought things level with a goal but Jose Mari scored on the stroke of halftime to give Milan the lead.
Rivaldo eventually completed his hat-trick to end the match 3-3 but it was not quite enough for Barcelona, who bowed out of the competition after finishing behind AC Milan and Leeds United in the group.
Barcelona 2-1 AC Milan
2004-2005 Champions League Group Stage, Camp Nou
Milan took a shock lead in the 17th minute through Andriy Shevchenko's goal after dominating play.
Barcelona's equaliser came after Milan defender Cafu collided with Ronaldinho and was sent off the field for treatment. The referee allowed a quick restart and Samuel Eto'o pounced at the advantage and finished off a Xavi pass.
It took a stunner of a goal from Ronaldinho a minute from time to give Barcelona their first win over AC Milan since 1959.
AC Milan 0-1 Barcelona
2005-2006 Champions League Semi-Final, San Siro
AC Milan entered the match with the proud record of never having lost a Champions League semi-final.
The Italian side looked the likelier side to open the scoring but was let down by a wasteful Alberto Gilardino, who was first denied by the post before missing a sitter.
Ronaldinho's genius came to Barcelona's rescue once again. His wonderful flick from range set Ludovic Giuly up to score in the 57th minute.
Giuly's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides after the goalless draw in Nou Camp saw Barcelona go on to the final and beat Arsenal to win the Champions League.