AC Milan 2 Werder Bremen 2

AC Milan 2 Werder Bremen 2

Before the game started, i did the usual. Spoke to all my Milan mates, prediction time. All of them went for Milan, going through. I on the other hand, exercised my abundant pessimism. I said, Milan would lose. Milan will be evicted. One of them fumed in response. Asked me, 'how can a die-hard fan like you say that, how can you turn your back on Milan?' Little did he know I was only being realistic. As usual, Milan came to my rescue, some 2 hours later.

This was the only competition that we had any chance of winning. It was an obligation, considering the stature this club has built for itself in Europe. But crashing out, at the round of 32 is shameful. For Pete's sake, this is the UEFA Cup! Bremen have been struggling in their domestic league, a tier two league in Europe. Sitting 9th in the table, this German side were hell bent on coming to the San Siro and doing the 'impossible'. And they started declaring intent from the very beginning. Pizzaro, Tziolis and Ozil tested the Milanese defense in the first 6 minutes. Bremen were playing like they were still at the Weserstadion, and Diego was syncing play beautifully. They were so aggressive that Dida had to make a save from Naldo, who is a centre back. Ironically, it was Milan who took the lead, as Beckam's free kick bounced of Frings' arm, inside the area. Pirlo stepped up confidently, and gave Milan an undeserved lead. Not much later, some smart work from veteran Maldini set up Pato who scored from a wonder strikes. These strikes are becoming something of a regularity for the young 'duck'. Almeida and Mertesacker made Dida bring back his glory days, as he stopped both their attempts excellently. Milan almost killed the game at half time as Seedorf took a power drive, but Vander kept his team in the hunt. The rest of the night was going to be academic, or so we all thought.

Germans are renowned for their 'never say die' attitude. And the few Italians in the stadium were going to see just that post Thomas Schaaf's half time team talk. An evil omen came in the form of Seedorf getting injured 8 minutes into the 2nd half. Ancelloti decided to bring on Flamini. Smart, i thought. Zambrotta decided to make himself a wall for the night, as he stood in the way of Pizzaro's shot, as he had previously done something similar to Diego. Not much later, a free kick from the maestro Diego, and Pizzaro used his large structure to head past Dida. 11 minutes from time, it was almost like action replay, as Pizzaro headed past Dida. Milan defense were running around in circles, as was seen so richly on earlier occasions. Shevchenko was brought on, just proving how frustrated Ancelloti was, and this almost paid off, as Shevchenko's effort flashed past the post. Ozil was brought down in the box, and referee denied a penalty that probably should have given. Game ended, and the tournament favourites were out of the competition. Ambrosini was seen clapping with his hands held high. This will give you a hint of hysteria these old men were experiencing.

Its a result that made me smile. Now don't get me wrong, I am not a sadist, nor has my mental condition been reduced to that of Ambrosini's. But subsequent to the Kaka saga, i don't feel that emotional connect to the club, like I used to. I do feel that this loss will reflect gravely on Ancelloti's future at this club. He is the hidden villain, and I am still surprised to see him as the gaffer 24 hours past the opprobrious result. I did take time-out to cool down before I got down to writing this piece. Recently I had been thinking - Are Milan still a force in Europe? What's the standard or measure of quality of this team? UEFA Cup, A Bremen team at 9th position in a ridiculous league, knocked out of the Champions League group stage when it was easier to qualify, an away result that favored us, a 2 goal lead at half time, and we squander it. We lose. And I found my answer.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCTUdTPxTgY&eur

Goalscorers -
Milan - Pirlo (26' pen), Pato (33')
Bremen - Pizzaro (68', 79')

AC Milan 1 Cagliari 0

AC Milan 1 Cagliari 0

After the disappointing draw in mid-week, Ancelloti's neck was on the guillotine. A result again high-flying Cagliari had become something of a necessity to save the face of the coach and the club. What pleased me the most was the attitude of intolerance that the fans were putting up. Finally the Rossoneri faithful are coming of age.
Ancelloti had rested some important players for the midweek clash, against Bremen. This was a brave decison that Ancelloti had taken, considering how daunting the task ahead was. Cagliari had earned a reputation, and probably a tribute, by their standards, over the course of the season. The tag they had earned was that of being giant killers. Something they wanted to put to effect against Milan.

Rossoneri started brightly. They seemed in an offensive mood, and Inzaghi had Milan's first chance as he volleyed Pirlo's long ball only to be denied by Marchetti. Roberto Aquafresca had Cagliari's best chance yet and he failed to do what would have impressed his Nerrazuri bosses-score. 5 minutes later, Inzaghi found himself in an offside position, after a wonderful throughball from Seedorf was slotted home by the Italian poacher, only to be ruled out, correctly. Amidst all the Milanese attack, it was the visitors having the better chances. Jeda's ball to Aquafresca had a dissapointing ending. The close range header dint give the away side the lead. Inzaghi was put in a good position by Beckham but some poor finishing kept the scores even. An error from Flamini gave the away side a great chance of scoring, and if not for Abbiati's heroics, it could have been a goal.

Cossu, who ended the first half well, started the second on the same note. A blunder from Maldini had Cossu going for goal, but his effort deflected off the crossbar. Milan dominated possession all over the park, but since they had Inzaghi as their striker, decisive finishing seemed alien to their game. 65 minutes into the match, Milan's long ball strategy finally paid off, as a miscommunication in the Isolani defense gave Seedorf a possibility to redeem his pride and he did so as he tucked the ball into the back of the net. Not much activity is worth mentioning post the goal as the rest of the game was a memento of wasting time. Save one incident, where tempers flared as Beckham and Fini decided to have a go at one another. Some backlashing and some negotiating ended with a flurry of yellow cards. Milan persisted to hold out the lead, and walked away with 3 points.

This performance was heartwarming. We dint decide to sit back on a creaky defense, but held on to the ball, and attacked at every given opportunity. We put out a near second string side, and still got the better of Allegri's team. Lets not undermine the opposition. They have had a fantastic season and are a sniff away from a Europa League spot. Flamini's disastrous performance might relegate him to the bench again. Pippo showed why he hates the word 'dependable'. Seedorf was fine. Same cannot be said of Beckham whose blistering performances have now become a lingering memory. Jankulovski was a work dog in midfield, and defense stood well. No pun intended. But the hero was Pirlo, who seemed like he was possesed. His performance was world class, to say the least. He went into tackles so uncharacteristically. His passing was precise, and his work rate commendable. Kudos to the old men from Milan. They showed they have the mettle. It just needs to be sharpened.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Z4LHtARQ4

Goalscorers -
Milan - Seedorf (65')
Cagliari - none

Werder Bremen 1 Milan 1

Werder Bremen 1 Milan 1

Its never easy to go to Germany and play your natural football. The fan-craze and stadium environment is electric. Renowned as the most vibrant and enthusiastic on the continent. AC Milan sent their second string side to face Werder Bremen, at the Weserstadion. This being the case after UEFA Cup took precedence over the Scudetto overnight. Let me just give you an insight as to why I have a problem here. AC Milan's first team can barely compete with the second string teams of several European giants, and sending out a second string team in a competition which is the only realistic trophy to be won now, either indicates arrogance, or stupidity. I wouldn't be surprised if its both, because both these attributes have become an integral part of our mentality.

All eyes were on star man Diego as the game was about to begin. Who knows, he could very well be playing for an 'Old Lady' next season. Right from the word go, Bremen attacked when a corner from the above mentioned player struck the head of Per Mertesacker, only to go off target. Pirlo was demonstrating why he is an over-rated player as his pass was intercepted by Hugo Almeida but the effort went wide. Inzaghi and Flamini both had good chances but couldn't capitalize like they should have. Both the teams seemed to be focussing on maintaining a strong defense. Maybe both Schaaf and Ancelloti took Maldini's words a bit too seriously. Milan started to dominate after half an hour and this dominance brought rewards, as a poor clearance from Frtiz had Flamini run down the wide and cross into the box. Inzaghi managed to score a scrappy goal, and Milan took the lead. Germans were showing what they were good at, persistance, as they continued to push ahead. Peruvian hitman, Pizzaro visually demonstrated why he was thrown out of Stamford Bridge as he wasted a great chance to level the terms from a Diego flick.

Right after the break, Pizzaro had a chance and if not for some good defending from Zambrotta he might have scored. 51 minutes, Almeida tried his luck from a free-kick, but his shot went marginally wide. Diego got the better of Pirlo only to be denied by a sedulous Dida. Flamini was threatening with his usual long rangers, but Tim Wiese was upto the task. Seedorf and Ronaldinho comebined well to set up Inzaghi who hit the crossbar with a good effort. These were the only chances the visiting side were having as they preferred defense to attack. Flamini was playing really well, especially on the wide side of the pitch, and his cross on this occasion was supreme, but Inzaghi's ageing legs just couldn't get him there on time. Diego scored a typical 'derby' goal, as a long ball was brought down by Almeida before Diego volleyed it past Dida. A similar goal to the one we conceded last Sunday, frustrating! Pizzaro continued his poor form in front of goal, just before the final whistle, as Diego presented him with the opportunity. But the target man just wasn't able to convert.

What gets on my nerves is that the coach decides to play defensive football, with an one goal lead against Werder Bremen, away from home, with a defense comprising of Favalli, Zambrotta, Senderos and Bonera. None of these defenders know the meaning of the word 'jump'. They merely lift their feet of the ground and therefore win no headers. I remember an occasion where Naldo jumped over Bonera, his legs almost at the Italian's neck, and if not for Dida, the Brazilian defender might have scored. This defense is not fit for Sunday league, UEFA Cup is distances away. Flamini was Milan's best player yet again, but I am sure he wont be used. As a journalist rightly mentioned, Ancelloti's infatuation would have the reckless Ambrosini donning the midfield. We are apparently favorites for the home leg, but lets not be so sure. Recently, San Siro hasn't been The San Siro.

Video highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk1u0iJZTWA&eurl

Goal Scorers -
Werder Bremen - Diego (84')
Milan - Inzaghi (36')

Inter 2 Milan 1

Inter 2 Milan 1

After the slip up against Reggina last week, Milan had to win to stay in the race for the Scudetto. Inter, having an 8 point lead over their cousins knew that a win would almost certainly guarantee the title. Jose Mourinho played down the importance of the tie. He also audaciously revealed 8 out of his starting 11 before the game. He faked the injury to Maicon. AC Milan management probably bought his confidence as folly, and were too preoccupied trying to make Beckham a permanent player for the club. Ancelloti was also making some bold statements that he will be an 'intelligent' man on Sunday. This statement gave the fans some assurance because 'intelligence' was an attribute that was missing from Ancelloti's portfolio for quite sometime. Galliani believes Milan are better than Inter. Several players believed that Inter were lucky. All that was going to change over 90 minutes.

AC Milan are a technical team, and have struggled in the past against physical oppositions. Ancelloti is unwilling to learn this fact. Seedorf and Ronaldinho were chosen as attacking mids. Inter attack define what pace is. And here we have Seedorf and Ronaldinho. Flamini put in a world class performance last week, and he was on the bench. Some of these tactical decisions were baffling. In first few minutes, Inter were showing their determination to win the tie. Ibrahimovic, got his header off target from an unmarked position. Inter were dominating the game, Samuel and Adriano getting their first chances of the match. On the 18th minute, the Nerazzuri should have gone up, but a miraculous tackle from Ambrosini kept the scoreline even. Pato was looking the lively player and has been Milan's best player recently. 8 goals in 9 games. Its not something that can be ignored at the Serie A level. Adriano gave his side a deserved lead as he deflected home from a glorious cross from Maicon. 3 Milan defenders in the box with him, and he still scores. Maldini was hugely responsible for the goal as he was just ball watching instead of defending the ball. Following this, Jankulovski, Pato and Seedorf tried to get the game back on even terms but couldn't. After 43 minutes of play, Milan were thrown out of the contest. A long ball by Muntari found Ibrahimovic completely outmuscling Kaladze and dropping a header to an onrushing Stankovic who volleyed in a powerful effort. Abbiati dint even move. Inter deservedly went into the break, leading.

After play resumed, Muntari, one of Inter's unsung heroes, played a wonderful ball to Adriano, leaving Kaladze and Maldini wondering why they play football, but the Brazilian's effort was poor on the finish. Ronaldinho started to up the level of his game, and he was delivering dangerous passes to the attackers but there was no decisive finishing. Inzaghi replaced a dismal Beckham who was just jogging around the park for 55 minutes. Inter continued to push, with Adriano, Ibrahimovic and Muntari having a fair share of chances to increase the lead. Out of nowhere Milan pulled a goal back, as Ronaldinho's trademark defense splitting pass found Jankulovski, who cut a pass into Pato, who stroked the ball into the gaping net. 78 minutes into the game, Inzaghi scored Milan's second. A fantastic left volley, but the goal was ruled out as offside, and rightly so. Chivu brought down Inzaghi right before the referee inside the box, but Milan weren't awarded the penalty. Mourinho decided to go into 'Ultra'-defensive mode, as he brought on Veira, Maxwell and Burdisso. Now, into stoppage time, Inzaghi had a fantastic chance to level the game, but Cesar pulled out a fantastic save to prove why he is Brazil's number one. As the whistle blew, Inter, Moratti and the fans were celebrating like they had won the Champions League. It was a professional demolition. They ripped their counterparts into shreds, leaving the scoreline to be largely misleading. It quite easily could have been 6-1.

The gulf in quality was evident. A lot of the world class players that Milan have were proven to be over-rated. Pirlo is a classic example. The way he was displaced in the midfield by Muntari and Cambiasso shows why he should be playing for the reserve team of Brescia. Zambrotta showed a lot of effort, but lacked quality. Seedorf had as many opportunities as Catania might have had all season to score, yet he isn't on the score list. Maldini has taken it upon himself to malign his image and it sure is working. I am losing respect rapidly for this icon. Kaladze should be swinging on trees instead of playing for Milan, i quite can't understand how he lasted for 76 minutes in the game. Pato and Ronaldinho show great promise. After scoring in this game, Pato has made it 9 goals in 10 games. A record that he can be proud of. Ronaldinho proved that he deserved to be called up to play the midweek game against Italy. As for Inter, they are a world class team. Who says Milan have superstars? Those who say so probably haven't looked right across town. The list of world class players that Inter have is enviable. The best target man in the world, the best right back in the world. A world class keeper, a world class defensive midfielder. This squad has abundant quality. Lets not forget that they have, in all probability, the best manager in the world at the moment. Mourinho showed his superiority over Ancelloti. Ancelloti was nowhere near his promised intelligence. The Italian has written off Milan's chances to win the Scudetto. Your own coach 'saying' that you wont win. And that too with 14 games in hand. What inspiration! AC Milan have run out of luck, and what I feared for this club is coming to pass. As for Inter, I still hate them. But I do respect them, now, more than ever before.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-7o85kYYYE

Goal scorers -
Inter - Adriano (29'), Stankovic (44')
Milan - Pato (70')

Milan 1 Reggina 1

Milan 1 Reggina 1

AC Milan are probably the only footballing giant who don't care a hoot about their youngsters. Having one of the finest youth systems in Europe, Milan have rampantly sold/loaned their young stars to make way for aging celebrities. A footballing philosophy that has only wrecked Milan as history clearly shows. David Di Gennaro is a highly rated Italian striker, who has come through the ranks of Milan. He is 20 years of age and has been a part of Milan's set up for 13 years. Sadly though, he now plays for Reggina, and is largely responsible for us dropping 2 points last night.

Seedorf was on the bench, and Flamini was given an unusual start. He was going to be Milan's best player in the game and he started to show his threat with a long range effort in the 9th minute. 10 minutes later, Flamini was at it again as he combined with Kaka but the goalkeeper was up to the task. David Di Gennaro made himself evident in the game as he forced a save from Abbiati just 2 minutes later. Campagnolo was going to have a busy night, as he was called upon to make a save from Jankulovski. Beckham was doing well with his razor sharp passes and crosses. 33 minutes had gone by when disaster hit the home team. Gennaro sliced in a deflected shot, with Abbiati demonstrating immobility. The Milan keeper had no chance as it was a fantastic finish. Just before the end of half-time, Ambrosini was fouled in the box by Krajcik, but the referee decided it was fair and provided Reggina one of his numerous favors of the game.

After 54 minutes, an unchanged Reggina looked dangerous as Gennaro dribbled past Flamini, but his left footed shot was wide of goal. 15 minuted after play had resumed, Milan had a goal turned down, as the referee continuously displayed his grievance towards the Rossoneri. Maybe the red and blacks dint entertain him as a player during his playing days. Seedorf stood there trying to knock sense into the numb skull of a referee, but evidently it wasn't working. 7 minutes later, Pato was brought down by Krajcik. The young Brazilian's had left a trail of defenders behind, due to his pace and skill. The result of the foul was a penalty, which Kaka took with ease, and with 20 odd minutes remaining, a win still seemed possible. Inzaghi was on as he replaced Ronaldinho and the Italian marginally directed his header of target from a delightful Beckham cross. On the 85th minute, a world-class cross from the Englishman, proved wasteful due to poor positioning from the Italian hitman. Milan can consider themselves a bit fortunate, because deep into injury time, Corradi made a mess of a good opportunity as Reggina caught Milan off balance on the counter attack.

The game ended in a draw, leaving an eight point gap between league leaders and us. Its going to be hard now for us as we take on the current league leaders and defending champions, Inter, next weekend. We are going to miss Kaka to injury, so we may (hopefully) employ another striker upfront, to partner Pato. Its not going to be a classic, this derby. Both clubs are struggling with form, but there has to be, yes, has to be one winner.

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czbIixMCGrM&eurl

Goalscorers -
Milan - Kaka (pen 67')
Reggina - Di Gennaro (33')

Rangers 2 Milan 2

Rangers 2 Milan 2

Ibrox Park. That is the name given to one of the Europe's footballing Fortresses. On its night, it would define the game like no other. Last night, Rangers hosted Milan in a friendly. It was a decorated one, considering the grandeur of these clubs.

Ancelloti fielded a team, that truly impressed me. A futuristic AC Milan defense was asked to hold out The Gers. Lets get specific. A futuristic AC Milan defense was asked to hold out The Gers, at the Ibrox. Now putting things into perspective, it is a ground that shakes the courage and valor of many great champions as they set foot on the green grass of the field. The noise is deafening, the fans are ballistic. If you are a member of the visiting side, all you can really hear is the chants of glory for your opponents and the hoots of hatred for yourself. And asking a defense comprising of Senderos, Silva, Mattioni and Antonini to keep out the Light Blues was like asking the 300 Spartans to win against the Persians, and to stay alive.

Many eyes would have been on the 'next Maicon', as Mattioni was given his first start as a Milan player. The first half was uneventful. Ronaldinho was playing quite well. He has lost pace, but the dimension of intelligence which has been an important facet of his game was being reflected with his crisp and sharp passes. Inzaghi's finishing would have brought shame upon his followers. AC Milan were dominating in terms of attack, putting the home side on the back foot for most of the half. Dida was made to produce a save which was probably the only bright moment of the Rangers attack. Ronaldinho hit the bar from a freekick on the 25th minute.

Second half saw Ancelloti make his first set of impressive substitutions. Darmian came on for Senderos and Seedorf replaced Beckam. On the 60th minute mark, Milan saw 3 substitutions being made, as Cardaccio replaced Flamini, Kaka came on for Ronaldinho, and Mattioni made way for Jankulovski. 63 minute, Seedorf produced some magical turns, but his shot swung outwards and dint hit the target. Just a minute later. a weak header from Antonini, resulted in absolute chaos between Silva and Darmian, and Beasley finished for Rangers. Dida certainly helped in giving the home side the lead. Silva disclosed that he is still pretty much an amateur with that outrageous bit of defending. Pato came on and with immediate effect, scored a goal, that any poacher would have been proud of. This was due to some ping pong in the Teddy Bear's defense, which levelled out the shabby defending for the day. Inzaghi continued his tradition of woeful finishing. Albertazzi then displaced Antonini, and this was like a good omen. Kaka, just minutes later, showed great strength as he shook off a defender and shot a powerful low drive, leaving Alexander with absolutely no chance. 5 minutes later, Sasa Papac showed good composure on Aaron's through ball, as he slotted the ball past Dida. Final score, 2-2.

Pirlo, whose name will be missing on the squad sheet for the weekend due to suspension, was given the full quota of 90 minutes. So was Inzaghi, and that is a mystery that continues to intrigue me. With Inter having a backbreaking fixture list over the next couple of months, and with Juve's future only in their ageing hands, the Scudetto seems a sniff away. Forza Milan!

Video Highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kn30L7oPHU

Goalscorers -
Rangers - Beasley (64'), Papac (83')
Milan - Pato (69'), Kaka (77')

Lazio 0 Milan 3

Lazio 0 Milan 3

Lazio have been reduced to mere whipping boys. And I speak solely for Milan when I make that statement. The last couple of encounters against these blue men from Rome have been more like practice matches. We have just played without holding back, and very few clubs manage to do that against Delio Rossi's side.
AC Milan are going through a good patch in form, whereas the rival clubs are struggling with several factors, ranging from morale to injuries. Not many times in the past have Milan taken advantage of similar situations, but here we are grabbing these opportunities, and grabbing them well.

Juventus had a negative result before our kick off, so we had a wonderful chance to claim second spot. Ronaldinho was on the bench, again. Seedorf partnered Kaka behind Pato, and this attack seemed a bit too strong for the SS Lazio defense. The game started on a strong note. Free flowing football and inept tackling pursued. Senderos brought down Zarate and the former Birmingham City man could not make the most of the opportunity on the freekick. Muslera and Abbiati were bracing themselves for a busy night. Abbiati brought about a wonder save on the 36th minute, as Pandev played Zarate through, but the Argentine couldn't convert. Pato gave his side a lead, as Kaka's wide ball found the only Englishmen on the park, and his cross found Pato who finished past Muslera with ease. Pato's 10th in the campaign to display his craft of goalscoring. Lazio tried to muscle out a goal before the end of the first half but a sturdy Milan defense stood steady and looked impermeable.

Beckam then showed the world why no one can 'bend it like' him, as he sent in a wonderful cross from a set piece which met the head of Massimo Ambrosini with the ball eventually ending in the back of the net. Delio Rossi brought on Inzaghi as his brother watched from the bench. Rossi had to throw everything he had at Milan to get something out of the game. Pato had a glorious chance to make it 3 for his side and double his tally as he was put through in a one on one situation with Muslera, but his final touch was a tad bit heavy and the Lazio keeper managed to gather it with ease. On 73 minutes, Kaka was sent through by Beckam but the Brazilian's effort hit the woodwork. The home team were desperate to score a goal and pushed all its players front, and this left a lot of space at the back, which Kaka managed to exploit as he scored Milan's 3rd of the night. 83 minutes had gone by, and the scoreline surely flattered the visiting team. The game ended thus, Milan recording their 13th victory of the season.

Lazio weren't outclassed, certainly not outplayed. But decisive finishing did the trick. Not many would have placed their money on Milan keeping a cleansheet, considering Senderos and Bonera were asked to keep out Pandev and Zarate. Abbiati showed why he has been Milan's player of the season. Pirlo is getting accustomed to playing beside Beckam. It was David Beckam's best game in Milan colors, and we are hoping for more of the same. Ambrosini was literally all over the place. Seedorf and Kaka were quiet, through the evening and I wouldn't applaud Lazio for that. Pato was a live wire but dint get the desired service. Ancelloti must also be given credit for not making outrageous substitutions.


Video Highlights - http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=5R1bRD8eUtA

Goalscorers -
Lazio -
Milan - Pato (42'), Ambrosini (48'), Kaka (83')