AC Milan – Serie A runners – was visited by the Belgian champions, Anderlecht Brussels, in the first stage of the Champions League in Group C. The match ended 0-0 after a spectacular first half and one second less, after that Allegri’s players continuously attacked the opposing goal, but failed to score.
Although AC Milan won the Champions League each time they met Anderlecht, and the tradition was on their side, guests were those who started the game better. The Devils came back and balanced, and the chances of scoring were almost equal in the first 45 minutes, maybe a little extra for Boateng & Co.
Milan dominated the second half. Boateng was replaced by El Shaarawy, who at the first touch of the ball, missed the greatest opportunity of the game, when in the 64th minute headed dangerously, but Proto was on duty. The pressure continued in the Belgians’ half of the field, but only Emanuelson’s (’69) did the San Siro fans flutter. By the end, the rhythm has softened and phases were completely absent at both goals, each team leaving the picth with only 1 point (good for Anderlecht) in audience’s whistles.
Starting Lineups:
AC Milan: Abbiati – De Sciglio – Bonera, Mexes, Antonini – De Jong, Flamini – Boateng, Nocerino, Emanuelson – Pazzini; Coach: Massimiliano Allegri
Reserves: Amelia, Ambrosini, Yepes, Abate, Constant, Krkic, El Shaarawy
Anderlecht Bruxelles: Proto – Gillet, Wasilevski, Nuytunck, deschacht – Bigli, Kouyate, Bruno, Kljestan – Mbokani, Kanu; Coach: John van den Brom
Reserves: Safari, Juhasz, Vargas, De Sutter, Kaminski, Jakovenko, Praet