Pep Guardiola saluted his 'awesome' Barcelona side as they secured a fifth successive Champions League semi-final berth with victory over Milan.
Catalan club through to fifth successive semi-final
Pep Guardiola saluted his 'awesome' Barcelona players as they secured a fifth successive UEFA Champions League semi-final berth with victory over AC Milan.
Lionel Messi netted twice from the penalty spot to become the youngest player to score more than 50 goals in Europe's premier club competition, with Andres Iniesta also on target to secure a
3-1 triumph at Camp Nou.
Barcelona's all-time top-scorer, Messi, now holds another prestigious record as he equalled former Milan striker Jose Altafini's record of 14 goals in one season of European football's top club competition.
Antonio Nocerino had given Milan hope of causing an upset when he put the visitors ahead on away goals with his leveller in the 32nd minute, but despite Barca not being at their flowing best they remain on course to defend the crown they lifted at Wembley in May last year.
Very tough
Guardiola told
Sky Sports: "I don't think we are the favourites, Bayern Munich are there, Real Madrid are there.
"We have won two Champions Leagues in the last three years and we have reached the semi-finals five times in a row, so we have been very successful for this club.
"The most difficult thing in sport is to be consistent. You can win once or twice, but over many years to win the title is very tough.
"These players are awesome because they have shown the world the way they have to compete. We are so glad to be there and I am so happy to be their coach."
Good result
Barcelona will face the winners of Chelsea's quarter-final showdown with Benfica, in which the Blues hold a 1-0 advantage ahead of the home leg at Stamford Bridge.
But Guardiola refused to contemplate the possibility of meeting the Premier League side and insisted whoever they tackle in the last four will provide stern opposition.
"First of all they (Chelsea) have to qualify tomorrow," he said. "They have a good result, but they still have to play.
"Whenever you are in the semi-finals, whether it is Chelsea or Benfica, it will be a difficult game."
Debateable
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted the home side were worthy winners, but felt his team were hard done by with the decision to award the second penalty shortly before half-time.
Alessandro Nesta was penalised for hauling down Sergio Busquets in the area, with referee Bjorn Kuipers pointing to the spot despite the fervent protests of the Milan players.
"The penalties were decisive and the second which was very debateable," Allegri admitted.
"It is never easy to play against Barca, but overall they deserved to win."
