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Barca wary of wily Milan as records beckon

The seven-times European Cup winners held Barca to a rare 0-0 draw in their quarter-final first leg at the San Siro last week, their rugged defence denying the in-form Messi a goal with some well-organised harrying and hustling.

Holders Barca are bidding to become the first team to win consecutive Champions League titles and a fifth semi-final appearance in a row would match the record set by arch-rivals Real Madrid between 1956 and 1960.

A repeat in Tuesday's last-eight second leg would put the Italians through.

"Milan have great players, they are a great team and they will make life very difficult," Barca forward Pedro told reporters on Sunday.

"We could dominate, but we will never be able to relax because they can turn the game in a moment."

Barca will at least be able to rely on their immaculate 'billiard table' playing surface at the Nou Camp after posting an official complaint to UEFA over the poor state of the pitch in Milan last week.

"Tuesday will be a very difficult battle, we will go for it," coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters. "We don't need extra stimulus for this one. We need to perform at our very best."