Milan's old-timers want last hurrah
AC Milan's Filippo Inzaghi celebrates after scoring against Bayern Munich during their UEFA Champions League second leg quarterfinal soccer match in Munich on Wednesday. Reuters |
Two goals in less than five minutes by Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi midway through the first-half were enough to cancel out Bayern's slim first-leg advantage, after last week's 2-2 draw, to seal the 4-2 aggregate win.
"It was important we struck an early blow," said Ancelotti. "It was clear from the first-leg that we desperately wanted to stay in the competition.
"Everyone played their part, both central defenders were rock solid and we have more than just Seedorf and Inzaghi to thank.
"Our team has plenty of players with big-game experience, who relish this type of challenge and know how to win tight games.
"To get to this stage of the tournament was difficult, harder than in previous years, but we can go on and do well now, I am sure."
Ancelotti revealed goal-scorer Inzaghi was struggling with an injury prior to kick-off, but the 33-year-old repaid the faith in his selection.
"He persuaded me with his desire and motivation, I wasn't sure he should play and he showed the sort of heart you need to win crucial matches."
Despite his bitter disappointment, Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld admitted Milan deserved the win and said the Italian side will test Manchester United in the last four.
"We didn't show the necessary quality to beat a team of the class of AC Milan," said Hitzfeld.
"The first 15 minutes were good and we had two good chances, but after we fell behind, Milan showed their class by hitting us with another quick goal, we tried to break them down in the second-half, but we just couldn't find a way through.
"Milan was the best team this evening and the Italians deserved their win. They are a very clever team, which knows how to take advantage of the slightest error and they will test Manchester United."
Hitzfeld was able to being back Kahn and Mark van Bommel, both suspended for the first leg, but injuries to Bastian Schweinsteiger and Willy Sagnol left the side weakened in midfield in defence.
Bayern at least started with a bit of imagination.
Massimo Oddo had to clear a Christian Lell shot off the line in the eighth minute and a couple of minutes later Lukas Podolski forced a sharp save from Dida after the German had controlled a flighted cross from Roy Makaay and swept goalwards.
Bayern soon ran out of ideas and a mistake gave Milan their first goal.
Podolski lost the ball out on the Bayern left and Kaka pounced on the chance to bring the ball into the middle, for once without being shadowed by Lucio, the Brazilian defender who gave an awesome personal display.
Seedorf took his pass, then took out Daniel van Buyten before sliding a shot between the Belgian's legs and into the opposite corner.
AFP/Agencies
(China Daily 04/13/2007 page24)
