Internally, AC Milan are already planning for next season, and it appears that the squad will be built for the Champions League - an understandable decision, given the current position. It would be an incredible catastrophe if Milan were to throw away their chances of entering Europe's premier competition next season.
It was a dominant display from the Catalans, with Raphinha notably scoring a hat-trick, helped by two early penalties won by the team. Joao Cancelo also scored his first goal since returning to Barcelona and was one of the best performers in a night where coach Hansi Flick resorted to multiple changes on account of the upcoming second leg clash against Newcastle United.
Barcelona suffered elimination from the Copa del Rey earlier in the week despite winning 3-0 against Atletico Madrid, due to their 4-0 loss in the first leg last month. Having put up a strong performance in the previous match, irrespective of the outcome, Barcelona will want to build on that and generate more steam heading into the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Newcastle United next week.
Of course, I speak to [Mbappé] every day. It's under control, every day he's better. I've said it's a process where we'll go day by day according to his feelings. Right now, it's all good news.
Barcelona have decided to fly directly from Bilbao to Newcastle, after their match against Athletic Club. This has been arranged in order to ensure that the players receive optimum rest, considering they would have to face a gruelling away fixture in Newcastle on Tuesday.