AC Milan striker M'Baye Niang has played down the significance of his missed chance against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

With the Blaugrana leading 1-0 at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last-16 tie the 18-year-old hit the post, and moments later Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the evening.

David Villa and Jordi Alba scored in the second half as Barcelona won the match 4-0 and the last-16 tie 4-2 on aggregate.

"I did not feel afraid," Niang told reporters. "I played the same way I do in Serie A, but I lost sharpness because you have to run so hard against Barcelona.

"I thought about it once, but five minutes later I had forgotten it. I hoped we would score after the break, but they are a great team and after the third goal it was all much more difficult.

"The 2-0 from the first leg was not enough to say we were through. Barcelona still would've had to get it wrong and when they are on a night like this, they're tough for everyone. Now we have to stay focused and think about the next game against Palermo."

The draw for the quarter-finals will be held on Friday.