Messi Not Giving Up

Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi, has not given up hope of progressing to the Champions League quarterfinals despite entering next week's second leg against AC Milan in a perilous position.

The Catalan giants go into Tuesday's clash at the Nou Camp with it all to do after falling to a shock 2-0 defeat in Italy. Barcelona must score at least two to hunt down Milan’s first leg lead, and hope that the Italians do not grab an all-important away goal.

The La Liga leaders are in a rare rut having lost three of their last four games. Despite their recent slump, Messi expects Barcelona to take the game to Milan and make them work hard for a last-eight spot.

"It is obvious that we have to do a little more. Lately we have come from a run of defeats and we are aware of what we need to do to change that. There is a key game coming up for us to react and change things," said Messi.

"To comeback is what we all want. We know it will be very difficult, but we believe it's possible. If they can do it there, we can do it here. We know that if they score a goal it will be more difficult and that Milan have very good players, but we will have our chances."

Before the Champions League tie, Barcelona will have the opportunity to extend their 11-point lead at the top of La Liga when they host struggling Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. They will be desperate to respond to back-to-back defeats by bitter rivals, Real Madrid, a side Messi is wary of going forward.

The 25-year-old added: "Madrid are demonstrating that they are very strong." Now, with the league all but wrapped up, Messi and Barcelona will be fully focused on stunning Milan and progressing in Europe, regardless of what the Betfair football tips seem to indicate.