AC Milan and Barcelona have each notched a goal at the San Siro in the first half of their highly anticipated Group H battle of Champions League, 1-1.

AC Milan jumped out to a lead in the ninth minute when Robinho capitalized on a defensive error by Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano. Robinho then laid it off to his Brazilian counterpart Kaka, and the playmaker earned the assist as Robinho tapped home a routine strike.

It was the first goal for Robinho in the Champions League season.

The visitors would equalize 14 minutes later off a counter attack led by attacking midfielder Andres Iniesta. Lionel Messi, who returned from injury as a substitute at the weekend, took the pass from Iniesta and squeezed his way through a pair of Milan defenders to shoot left-footed beyond Marco Amelia.

It was Messi’s 12th goal in all competitions this season.

Barcelona had a solid chance to take the lead late in the half. Moments before the break, Neymar’s volley from the left side was just wide of the post.

The Catalans have been the aggressors in the first half, having more shots on goal and greater possession, but Milan, chiefly through Robinho and Kaka, have looked dangerous.

Alexis Sanchez was booked with a yellow card in the 33rd minute for Barcelona, while Milan’s Riccardo Montolivo picked up a yellow in the 41st minute.

An IB Times staff reporter contributed to this report.

AC Milan vs Barcelona |First Halfby warrencini

Lionel Messi