koclokindoblog, 4 april 2012,
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was left gutted by the crucial second penalty 'gifted' to Barcelona in their 3-1 Champions League victory.
Lionel Messi converted from the spot twice to give Barcelona a 2-1 advantage before half-time in the sides' quarter-final tie, following their 0-0 draw in the first leg at the San Siro, before Andreas Iniesta killed off the contest in the second half with a cool finish at the Camp Nou.
Antonio Nocerino had made it 1-1 with a neat finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass, after Messi had scored the opener from the spot.
Alessandro Nesta fouled the Argentine for the first penalty, giving the referee little choice, but it was his second foul for an alleged pull of Sergio Busquets' shirt that left Allegri fuming.
"They had two penalties, one gifted by us, the other gifted by the referee," Allegri said.
"It's a shame, as it was a moment of the match where Barcelona weren't doing much and it was just before the break."
Ibrahimovic was left disgusted by referee Bjorn Kuipers' decision, claiming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho's long-held view on perceived favouritism of Barcelona was starting to have some merit.
"We got back to 1-1 and then we saw a penalty decision given against us that I cannot understand. The ball was not in play, but he whistled. It was an odd decision, a strange decision. It ruined the game," Ibrahimovic said.
"They don't need to be given favours. We're talking about the best team in the world. I'm starting to understand Mourinho's reaction every time he comes here. I've been through it myself now. I understand more and more."
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola was happy for his players to do their talking on the pitch, claiming their 21 shots to Milan's three reflected their dominance.
"They have had three efforts on goal and we have had 21 and this is against a strong Italian team," Guardiola said.
He went on to refute former Barca player Ibrahimovic's claims as his side made the semi-finals of the competition for a fifth-straight season.
"Ibrahimovic can say the same as Mourinho but we respond on the pitch. They were two penalties.
"They were fouls in the area and they were given so they were two penalties. This is what I have been taught since I was a child.
"If Ibrahimovic says it is thanks to the referees then fine, but we have qualified five times and the players speak on the pitch, which is where they should do their talking."
The reigning champions could well face a repeat of their 2009 semi-final with Chelsea as the Londoners hold a 1-0 advantage over Benfica heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
"Chelsea still have a game to play, in the Champions League everything is very difficult. We have to be cautious with Benfica, Chelsea have a very good team but everything is possible," he said.
soccerway.com
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