Half-Time Report: Goalless between AC Milan, Barcelona

AC Milan and Barcelona have both failed to find the net during the opening half of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter at the San Siro.

© AP Photos

The hosts enjoyed the better play in the opening stages, but they could have fallen behind with 15 minutes on the clock when Philippe Mexes headed past his own post from Dani Alves's cross.

Milan then had a good chance to take the lead as Stephan El Shaarawy broke the offside trap to drive into the penalty area, but his heavy touch allowed Carles Puyol to recover and avert the danger.

© AP Photos

Barca carved out an opening midway through the half, only for Christian Abbiati to save Xavi Hernandez's long-range drive.

The under-par visitors continued to struggle to penetrate the Milan defence - mainly due to the defensive heroics of Mexes.