5. Active in January Transfer Window

Milan were not quiet in January. The free transfers of Keisuke Honda from CSKA Moscow and Michael Essien from Chelsea add great depth to the side while securing Adil Rami on loan from Valencia will shore up a suspect back line. The most surprising addition was Adel Taarabt, a technical attacking midfielder taken on loan from Queens Park Rangers.

Unfortunately, Honda's former club participated in the Champions League Group Stage this season thus he will be unable to participate for Milan. Fortunately, Taarabt will be able to provide cover for the Japanese international.

4. Atletico Madrid's Success

Atletico Madrid have played superbly so far this season. The Madrid side are currently first in La Liga and, depending on their Copa Del Rey tie with Real Madrid, could sport a very congested fixture list. This, along with an injury to David Villa, could see lack of rest become a factor when these two sides meet.

After all, knockout ties require a different mentality than does the attrition that comes with a long season.

3. Clarence Seedorf

Player. Legend. Manager. Clarence Seedorf has returned to AC Milan, not as a midfielder, but as the boss. Having been a regular for the Rossoneri from 2002-2012, Seedorf left for Botafogo on good terms and ended his playing career at the right time.

The Dutch international played 432 games with Milan, scoring 62 goals in the process. He won a boatload of trophies with Milan including two Serie A titles, two Champions League titles and one Coppa Italia.

All those involved with AC Milan will hope that Clarence Seedorf will be the man to bring glory back to the San Siro.

2. Experience

AC Milan boast players full of Champions League experience. Kaka, Robinho, Philippe Mexes, Sully Muntari and many others have accrued plenty of caps with the club in European competition and will be key in the big matches.

What other clubs, including Atletico Madrid, lack is Champions League experience. Manchester City of years past can attest to the fact that domestic success does not always translate to European glory.

1. It's The Only Way Back

After 22 games played, Milan sit tenth in the Serie A. Their 29 points are 15 short of Napoli who sit in third and the Champions League qualifying spot. It is not impossible, but Napoli has been playing well and only a miracle would see the southern Italian side fall below Milan.

Realistically, only a Champions League title will be able to bring them back to the tournament next season. Much like Chelsea in 2012, AC Milan could displace the third-ranked team in Serie A at the end of the season despite a low ranking themselves.