Pique confident Barcelona can overturn deficit

Gerard Pique believes home advantage can help Barcelona overturn a 2-0 deficit against AC Milan to progress in the Champions League.

An uncharacteristically poor Barca display at the San Siro three weeks ago has left their European hopes dangling by a thread, but Pique insisted his confidence was high ahead of Tuesday's second leg at the Nou Camp.

"I have a feeling that we can do it," the defender said. "I honestly believe that we have the team, the talent and the players to make it to the next round.
We're going up against one of the big teams in Europe, AC Milan, who have a long history of winning the Champions League and the Italian league.

"They are a very complicated rival, but we have the Camp Nou on our side and one of the best FC Barcelona teams in club history...

"This team can do this and much more."

Pique has no worries that Barca can get the goals they need, pointing to their outstanding scoring record in the La Liga, but admits the job he and his fellow defenders face is much more difficult.

"A Milan goal would complicate things tremendously," he said. "Small details will end up deciding the match."

Assistant coach Jordi Roura promised to take the match to Milan but told his players there was no need to panic.

"We have to have cool heads and not lose our focus at any point in the game," said Roura, overseeing first-team affairs with head coach Tito Vilanova undergoing cancer treatment. "Two goals can be scored in a few minutes or over 90...

"Milan will try to preserve their lead, but our obligation is to attack."

Roura has a full complement of players to pick from with the possible exception of Xavi, who is still working his way back from a hamstring injury.

The Spain midfielder has been training since Friday, but Roura is making no promises regarding his availability.

"His recovery is positive but we'll wait until Tuesday's training session to make a decision," he said.