Ronaldinho insists victory over AC Milan tonight could signal the start of a dynasty for Barcelona. The Catalans are favourites to reach the Champions League Final as they hold a 1-0 lead from the semi final first leg, as well as topping their domestic league by eight points.

Milan enjoyed a period of domination in the early nineties and Ronaldinho is convinced success in this tournament could trigger a similar era in Barcelona's history. "We want to make history here at Barca like Milan have done in the past and we have a lot of respect for their achievements," said the Barcelona striker, whose club last won the Champions League in 1992.

"We have everything in place here to make that possible and to win the competition. It is important the club wins major competitions because although we have a great team, we need to turn that into trophies. We have to prepare ourselves properly for this match but we are very motivated and looking forward to playing."

Ludovic Giuly's goal in the first leg at the San Siro separates the sides going into the return fixture and Barcelona can welcome back Deco from injury and Henrik Larsson from injury to bolster their squad. But Ronaldinho is still expecting a titanic struggle for the right to meet Arsenal in the Champions League Final.

"We are up against a great team and I will be facing strong defenders in either Cafu or Jaap Stam spreads," he added. "I am ready to face either. I know Cafu as I have played with him on numerous occasions and Stam is a very strong player, but I am fully fit and looking forward to the game.

"The team needs to play in the same way as we did in the first game. It is important we now forget the result in Milan and go out expecting a difficult game. For me, everyone in the team is important and my job is to go out and provide as many good passes as I can and help the team get to the final."

Milan's Clarence Seedorf will be pulling out all the stops to prevent Barcelona from reaching the final, but claims the fact he was once at arch rivals Real Madrid will have no bearing. The Dutchman, who is the only player to win the trophy with three clubs, has made it clear reaching the Champions League final for the second straight season is motivation enough and holds no grudges against Real's bitterest rivals.

"We have come here with the belief that we can win and get to the final," said the 30-year-old. "My only aim is to win for Milan and win a trophy for the club but it will be a difficult match against tough opposition. I expect more or less the same game as the one in the first leg because Barca are a side which does not change home or away as they always play the same style.

"This is going to be a special match for us and it is an honour to be playing in it. Barca have been playing well for a while so it is not a surprise to see them in this position and it is going to be also a big game for them in order to win something after the good football they have shown recently. They have a slight advantage from not playing at the weekend but it is nothing major."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes to be able to choose from a full squad for the crunch tie, which will mean having to decide between Brazil captain Cafu or Jaap Stam at right back.