Tsk Tsk

The Rossoneri lost to Juve at San Siro Sunday... here's from acmilan.com

MILAN 0-1 JUVENTUS

Milan went down to a first-half goal from David Trezeguet in the top-of-the-table clash. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made just one chance from the side that started at PSV Eindhoven in midweek, with Jon Dahl Tomasson partnering Andriy Shevchenko in attack. It was an even opening period as both sides probed for an opening. Dida got down to save a Pavel Nedved shot from the edge of the area on two minutes while at the other end Shevchenko was caught offside as Milan looked to spread play wide. On 19 minutes, Andrea Pirlo released a precise long ball through the middle which set Shevchenko running into the area but Gigi Buffon forced the striker wide and Gianluca Zambrotta got back to block the attempted cross. Juve, however, took the lead on 28 minutes when an Alex Del Piero overhead kick from the left edge of the area found Trezeguet totally unmarked in the area and the striker headed past Dida who got a hand to the ball. The Brazilian goalkeeper was called into action soon after as he dived to block Del Piero’s long-range effort.

Serginho came on for Pirlo at the start of the second half and immediately caused panic in the Bianconeri defence, with curling cross which just evaded Tomasson and Shevchenko. Cafu then arrived on the right of the area and swung in a low shot which curled wide of the far post. Filippo Inzaghi was introduced on 55 minutes in place of Tomasson and almost grabbed the equaliser when he latched on to a Shevchenko pass, only for Buffon to half-block the first shot and then Zambrotta got back to clear the ball off the line. Juve almost doubled their lead on 65 minutes as Del Piero rose in the area to send a header against the crossbar. Seedorf was replaced by Rui Costa as the Rossoneri chased that vital goal and Shevchenko whipped a header just over the bar. Cafu went down in the area under a challenge from Zambrotta but the referee waved play on although replays suggested there had been a tug on the Brazilian’s shirt. However, Inzaghi was whistled for a handball inside the area as he turned to shoot. With five minutes added on at the end of the game, Milan threw everyone forward and Alessandro Nesta headed over from a Rui Costa free-kick while Serginho’s surging run was cleared at the last moment. Then in the dying seconds Buffon was grateful to dive on Inzaghi header that bounced in front of goal.

Celtics lost miserably to the Pacers in Game 7.
Maria is out of Berlin after she lost 2-6 4-6 to Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium in the quarters. She is top seed in Rome Open.

FORZA FORZA

ISTANBUL BOUND

Milan left it late but made it through to another Champions League final as the Rossoneri booked their ticket for Istanbul on the away goals rule at PSV Eindhoven. Massimo Ambrosini’s last-gasp header was enough to bring the score on the night back to 2-1 at which stage Milan led 3-2 on aggregate. The Dutch side produced a heart-stopping finale when Cocu scored a minute later but coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side held out and can now look forward to final against English Premiership side Liverpool on May 25 in the Turkish capital in what will be their second appearance in Europe's showcase occasion in the last three years.

Liverpool won 1-0 against Chelsea in the other semifinal.

BOS 2 IND 3
SAS 3 DEN 1

Still anybody's ballgame

The Rossoneri still maintains top position on quotient (tied in points) over Juve in Serie A play. I think this will end up in a great showdown at San Siro. They are preparing for their second round semifinal at PSV in Champions League.

Here's from acmilan.com:

SMALL ADVANTAGE
5/2/2005 10:42:00 AM
Milan have got the first leg out of the way, just like the Serie A trip to Fiorentina, and have a small advantage going into the Champions League semi-final return at Eindhoven on Wednesday. The Rossoneri players may not be relaxed and confident, but that is how they are approaching their next encounter against the Dutch rivals. PSV demonstrated that they are an excellent side who have plenty of respect within the Rossoneri dressing room, so nothing will be taken for granted until the final whistle is blown at the Philips stadium. The tie is still open and even though Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze and Massimo Ambrosini will be all back to the team, the side will have to focus their concentration on the game, showing the same willingness for the task as they did last week in the first round. The players were back in training following the league win at Florence, with the same professionalism they always possess. If they keep going on like this, then there is nothing to stop them from competing on two fronts. It is going to be a fascinating and arduous run-in until the end of the season. The duel at the top of Serie A with Juventus is both tough and stimulating, the same can be said about Europe. However, the fans seem just as determined to give their all in getting behind the side in the final weeks of the season.


In NBA:

Celtics 2-2 Pacers
Spurs 2-1 Nuggets