A second-half goal from Frenchman Ludovic Giuly gave Barcelona a 1-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday and moved the Spanish champions closer to the UEFA Champions League final. Giuly's 57th minute strike handed Barcelona a strong platform in the second-leg at Nou Camp on April 26th. Milan had first crack on goal through Alberto Gilardino whose powerful close-range drive cannoned off the Barcelona's left post in the 11th minute. Barcelona had keeper Victor Valdes to thank for maintaining the score line as he parried a powerful header from Andriy Shevchenko.
Six minutes after re-start, Shevchenko fed Kaka in the area but the Brazilian opted to square Gilardino who fired wide with the goal at his mercy. The Rossoneri paid for their wasted chances in the 57th minute when Ronaldinho split the Milan defense with a brilliant long pass to the lurking Giuly who blasted home past keeper Dida from a tight angle. Ronaldinho nearly doubled the lead for Barcelona when surged toward the goal on the break and fired a devious shot the struck the post. Milan tried to apply pressure late in the game but their efforts were in vain as Valdes and his defense held on for the win.
