Pep - Draw could be damaging

Pep - Draw could be damaging

Pep Guardiola is fully aware of AC Milan's quality and admits Barcelona may live to regret a goalless draw in the San Siro.

Barca drew a rare blank on Wednesday as they were held away from home in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Milan.

Both sides had chances to force a breakthrough and edge themselves in front, but the outcome of the tie now rests on a crucial clash at Camp Nou.

Guardiola is unaccustomed to seeing his side fail to break down stubborn defensive units and accepts that Milan are more than capable of succeeding where Barca failed in snatching an away goal.

"We knew Milan's quality and not scoring in the away leg is a bit damaging for us," he told Italian television.

While he would have preferred to take a lead back to Catalunya, Guardiola believes his side fared admirably considering the state of the playing surface they were presented with.

Shame

"The pitch was slippery and it was difficult to play," he said.

"It is always a pleasure to play at San Siro. It's just a shame that this pitch is not suited to a football match. Inter and Milan both deserve a better playing surface."

Carles Puyol helped Barcelona to keep a clean sheet and came close to snatching a goal late on.

He believes home advantage will work in Barca's favour next week, but concedes that they will need to be at their best to dispose of Milan.

"In the second leg we'll go out to win as we always do and we have the advantage of trying to do so at home," he said.

"If we want to get through we will have to play an excellent game."