With their domestic titles seemingly wrapped up during the two-month Champions League break, Barcelona and Bayern Munich now have the luxury of focusing on winning a fifth European Cup.
.
Bayern Munich, 15 points clear in the Bundesliga, opens the knockout phase at Arsenal on Tuesday, while the first chapter in another blockbuster Barcelona-AC Milan clash is the following night in the last 16.
.
Barca have been impervious in Spain, surging 13 points clear in the title race thanks to Lionel Messi remaining in unstoppable form with 48 goals in all competitions this season. The Argentina striker took his club tally to 301 in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Granada before the trip to Milan where he scored twice in last season's quarterfinal triumph.
.
"It will be a complicated match because we face a very good rival," Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas said. "But we are highly motivated and confident."
.
While Barcelona are in an enviable position in La Liga, seven-time European champions Milan are 11 points behind Juventus in the Serie A title race.
.
But Milan have forced their way back into contention for third place by losing just once in their past 13 league matches.
.
Mario Balotelli has netted four goals in three matches since his tumultuous Manchester City career ended last month, but the Italy striker will be cup tied as Milan look to end a seven-game winless run against Barca.
.
"Even if we are the underdogs, we believe in ourselves, we want to do well," Milan defender Philippe Mexes said. "Playing against such a club gives us an extra motivation."
.
Stephan El Shaarawy has been Milan's most prolific and active player this season, with more than 2,000 minutes of game time yielding 17 goals.
.
The 20-year-old striker, who was rested against Parma on Friday, underscores the generational change at Milan, with young players being brought through the team.