It was a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford; Manchester United in the end won the match 3-2 thanks to an injury time strike by Wayne Rooney.
United took an early lead in the 5th minute with a corner; Ronaldo was the first to get on the ball, Milan’s goalkeeper Dida got a block but only managed to divert the ball into his own net. The TV score ‘credited’ the goal to Dida, not sure what would be the final verdict who’s the scorer.
Both sides shared equal possession since that goal, with very different style of play. AC Milan showed great composure when having the ball, while United tried to hit on every counter attack with their fast tempo game.
The situation shifted to Milan’s favor when Kaka used his pace and quick feet to level the match on 22nd minute.
Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs made some good runs on the left, but often found themselves isolated… with Rooney the only United player in the box, while Milan a few. United’s frustration continued to grow as some referee’s decisions were not working into their favor; Milan were gaining more possessions.
Then came the 2nd blow for United on 37th minute; Kaka showing moments of brilliance again, and this time he had the United defence to thank for… their serious defensive blunders make the goal easy.
AC Milan went into half time leading 2-1, and started the 2nd half surprisingly without their influential captain Paolo Maldini. The recent for his substitution was unclear, but Milan seemed to cope with it well and continued to dominate the match.
Kaka came close twice; while on the other end Michael Carrick should have scored from an earlier corner too.
The defining moment of the match probably came in 53rd minute when Gennaro Gattuso was injured and had to be substituted. United capitalized the lost of Maldini and Gattuso, and gaining their tempo with series of attack.
United didn’t have to wait too long for the equalizer. Paul Scholes with a lovely chip, and Rooney with a nice finish to make it 2-2 on 59th minute.
Manchester United continued to press on, and AC Milan were forced to play at their own half. The Italians did well to defend though, and Dida made a couple of good save as well.
Not sure if it was their age, or that they could not match the tempo of United’s game… Milan players started to look exhausted in the final 10 minutes. They would be happy if the scoresheet remained at 2-2, they would have 2 precious away goals.
But Rooney spoilt their dream with an injury time goal; credits to Giggs for stealing the ball, making the brilliant run and the lovely pass for Rooney.
It was a great match; AC Milan would probably be disappointed for conceding the late goal, else the 2nd leg could really work in their favor.
Manchester United meanwhile have to coop with the lost of Evra due to suspension at the 2nd leg; with other strings of injuries, it’s likely that United will have to play one of its midfielder (I suspect Darren Fletcher) at the back 4.