tottenham 0 milan 0

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93'

Spurs join Barcelona, Schalke and Shakhtar Donetsk in the last eight of this season's Champions League. While the absence of goals at White Hart Lane was disappointing, the game was on a knife-edge throughout. Keep an eye on Soccernet for all the post-match fallout. Thanks for tuning in folks.
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93'

FULL-TIME. Spurs 0-0 Milan. Well it certainly wasn't pretty - but Tottenham are into the Champions League quarter finals. Dawson looked to be close to tears at the final whistle. An incredible result for the club, but Milan must be disappointed. They bossed possession for long periods of the game but just didn't create enough clear-cut chaces and the Serie A leaders are out.
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93'

It's all over...
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93'

The Spurs fans are going wild and the Serie A leaders are heading out.
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92'

Nesta penalised now, just inside his own half. Spurs are exactly where they want to be, in Milan territory.
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91'

And a free-kick goes against Milan for pushing in the box.
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91'

Corner given though.
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91'

Great effort from Robinho, excellent one-two with Ibrahimovic and the Brazilian fired just over.
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91'

Antonini does well to win the ball back and Seedorf brings Milan forward.
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90'

Three minutes of added time to play.
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90'

Pavlyuchenko releases Lennon and he comes up against Antonini in the corner.
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89'

But they choose to play it along the ground instead.
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89'

Pavlyuchenko offside and Milan have a chance to pump it forward.
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88'

Dawson with a rugby-style kick forward - looking for the corner.
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88'

Pato shoots from 25 yards but it's only testing the handling of the family of Spurs fans in Row Z.
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87'

Merkel and Robinho combine as the red and black wave comes forward again.
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86'

Flamini with a bouquet of flowers of course waiting for him as he trudges off the pitch. Those Spurs fans love him.
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86'

Strasser on for Flamini
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85'

Antonini gets to the byline but his cross is headed to safety by Dawson.
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85'

Sandro looking to hold the ball in the corner, but Milan win it back.
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84'

Modric looks for Bale at the front post but Nesta gets in ahead of him to poke it out for a throw in.
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84'

Spurs corner now.
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84'

Nesta outraged that Pavlyuchenko's physicality against him wasn't punished by the referee. Not sure he had too much of a point really.
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83'

He's back up on his feet now though. They're made of strong stuff those Croatians.
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83'

Corluka's down and he looks in quite a lot of discomfort after Pato ran into him off the ball.
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82'

Pavlyuchenko on for Crouch
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81'

Spurs sitting so deep now, inviting the pressure. They seem to have faith they can hold off Milan for another nine minutes.
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80'

Nesta making his presence felt in the box, and Milan piling on the pressure.
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80'

Teasing cross from Antonini and Dawson heads it out for a corner.
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79'

Corluka embarrassingly slices his cross into the grateful grasp of Abbiati.
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78'

Optimistic ball forward towards Zlatan, but Gomes is out quickly to claim.
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77'

He controlled it with one touch and struck a fierce effort with his second from the edge of the box. it was just a whisker wide of the left post and rippled the side netting.
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77'

Great effort from Pato and some Milan fans thought it was in!
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76'

Merkel will need more than the diplomacy of his namesake to help Milan make the breakthrough.
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76'

Merkel on for Boateng.
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75'

Lennon shouts for a handball against Antonini. Again a hopeful accusation.
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74'

Sandro again a man-mountain as he prevents Ibrahimovic from engineering a hand.
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73'

Bale with his first forward run but Seedorf is again in the right place to mop up the danger.
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72'

Lovely back-heel from Lennon sets up Sandro for an opportunity to break.
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72'

But the Rossoneri still looking to push. They've certainly got plenty of potential match-winners.
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71'

Milan starting to look a little tired now and Spurs starting to see a bit more of the ball.
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70'

Spurs free-kick now down the right wing. But Seedorf does well to close off the threat of Lennon.
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70'

Jenas on for Pienaar
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69'

Antonini on for Jankulovski.
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69'

Milan about to ring the changes.
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68'

Before the start of the season, Soccernet's Tom Adams openly mocked Jermain Defoe's assertion that Spurs could go further than Arsenal in the competition. They're 22 minutes away from making it a reality though!
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67'

Where are the goals?!
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66'

Flamini just brought down Bale, though he couldn't really get out of the way. That came just after Ibrahimovic flashed in a shot.
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66'

Bale takes to the left wing and Pienaar pushes up to play the support role behind Crouch,
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66'

Bale on for Van der Vaart
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65'

The ball comes back in and Gomes does well to deny Robinho. He stops the first shot and then desperately palms the ball away.
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64'

Gomes collects Abate's cross but he has given it away very cheaply.
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64'

Crouch with another 'what me?' look on his face after conceding a foul. Number eight and counting.
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63'

Van der Vaart whips it in but Seedorf clears it once more.
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63'

Pato.
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62'

Free-kick on the left but Pato is booked for charging it down too quickly.
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62'

Another crunching tackle from the Frenchman, he is not too popular.
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62'

Flamini
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61'

Crouch amazingly wins a free-kick this time, Thiago Silva a bit too physical.
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60'

Robinho took advantage but as the ball broke to Ibrahimovic, the Swede was offside.
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60'

Sandro has just given the ball away cheaply, I gave him the commentator's kiss of death!
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59'

Crouch again protests his innocence after falling all over Nesta. That's seven fouls committed by the Spurs frontman tonight.
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58'

I must say that Sandro has looked particularly accomplished today, hadn't seen too much of him prior to this game but he has been strong in the challenge and confident with the ball at his feet.
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57'

Spurs claim for a handball as Seedorf appears to touch the ball with his hand attempting to deal with another Lennon cross. it was inadvertant and the referee waves away the protests.
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56'

He releases Lennon who looks again for Crouch. The big man's downward header is cleared by Seedorf, with Modric closing in.
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55'

Mix up between Robinho and Flamini gives Modric the chance to stride forward.
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54'

Spurs looking a little one-dimensional coming forward at times, understandably they appear to be pressured by the enormity of the occasion.
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53'

Schalke have just taken the lead against Valencia, Gavranovic has put the Royal Blues 2-1 up on the night and 3-2 up on aggregate.
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52'

Lennon releases Sandro with an excellent through ball and he lays it off to Van der Vaart who crosses towards Crouch. But the England striker is climbing all over Seedorf.
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51'

Flamini finds himself in some space just inside the right-side of the box and he flashes a shot across goal, but it's wide.
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50'


Christian Abbiati makes a save to block Rafael van der Vaart
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49'

It would have been pretty unlucky had that decision gone against Thiago Silva.
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49'

Lennon runs at Thiago Silva and cries of 'handball' echo around the Lane as the Brazilian goes to ground to prevent the winger getting past him.
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48'

Poor pass from Nesta as he gives it straight to Pienaar and Spurs come at Milan.
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48'

Bale warming up at the moment, much to the delight of the Tottenham faithful.
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48'

Jankulovski
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47'

Jankulovski cynically brings down Lennon who was accelerating away from him.
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47'

Lovely ball from Robinho to play through Abate but his cross on the overlap is knocked clear.
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47'

Dawson fouls Zlatan and he's probably a touch lucky to avoid a yellow.
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46'

He peeled off at the back post and Lennon found him with a great cross but his header was accidentally straight back across goal. He should have done better.
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46'

We're back for the second half and it's a terrible header from Crouch early on!
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45'

Right we're off for the second half...
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45'

In the other game tonight it's 1-1 between Valencia and Schalke and 2-2 on aggregate. All still to play for!
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45'


William Gallas clears the ball from the goal-line after Robinho's deflected effort
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45'

You can check out all the fallout from this game - whatever the result may be - later on Soccernet. Today has seen plenty of stories coming out of Tuesday night's Barca v Arsenal match. Xavi has said he expected more of the Gunners.
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45'

HALF-TIME: Spurs 0-0 Milan. It's been all Milan really so far, barring a couple of optimistic efforts from Van der Vaart. There has been little of the attacking verve that has characterised Tottenham's UCL performances this season and it has been a case of them hanging on for the first 45 minutes. Can they do it for another 45 though?
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45'

The whistle goes and Tottenham are 45 minutes away from the Champions League quarter-finals. Then again, so are Milan!
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45'

Yes, wide.
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45'

Assou Ekotto tries a speculative effort from 30 yards. I will give you one guess where it went...
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44'

Lennon trying to tiptoe through Jankulovski and Boateng, but Milan doing well to double up on the Spurs speedster.
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43'

Stats: Since the inception of the Champions League, 15 of the 16 teams who have won 1-0 away from home in a knockout first-leg have gone on to progress.
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42'

Pato with an excellent touch to take him away from Gallas inside the area, but the Frenchman coolly recovers to intercept and pass the ball away.
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42'

Sandro fouls Boateng and here come Milan again.
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41'

Robinho with the chance to thread it through to Zlatan, but he picks the wrong pass. They weren't on the same wavelength at all there.
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40'

There has been some desperate defending from Spurs so far.
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40'

Abate's cross is tipped away from Gomes. Then Boateng's shot is blocked by Modric.
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39'

Pienaar with a chance to counter but he tries a 60-yard Hollywood pass towards Van der Vaart. It didn't come off.
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39'

Boateng wins it from Corluka, Jankulovski crosses towards Zlatan but Gallas gets the ball away. Milan corner now.
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38'

Abate crosses into the danger zone but Gallas heads clear. However, three white shirts climbed up for the same ball then, it could have gone horribly wrong!
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37'

Crouch again called up for a foul, again on Thiago Silva.
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37'

There are a lot of worried-looking Spurs fans around White Hart Lane. Milan have definitely looked the more likely to score.
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36'

Van der Vaart strikes one from 20 yards out but Abbiati does well to hold onto the ball.
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35'

Crouch nods it down to Pienaar on the edge of the box but the South African shows another loose touch.
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35'

Pienaar does well to win the ball back and looks to break. But gives the ball away immediately.
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34'

A chorus of boos rings out for Flamini again as Spurs hang on, with the red and black onslaught pretty incessant at the moment.
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33'

The replay shows that Pato was definitely onside, he would have been in the clear again there. Lucky break for Spurs.
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32'

Flamini and Seedorf doing a great job of holding onto the ball, but Pato is called offside as Robinho looks for the through-ball.
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32'

Stats: Milan have enjoyed 53% of possession so far.
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31'

Good save from Gomes after Pato made some space to hit a sharp left-foot effort.
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30'

Excellent effort, it was swinging towards the top corner, but didn't dip enough and Abbiati looked to have it pretty well covered.
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29'

Seedorf fouls Modric about 30 yards out, centre of goal. Van der Vaart with the free-kick.
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29'

Ibrahimovic back doing some dirty work in defence - he heads it to safety.
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29'

Spurs corner now after Modric is blocked by Abate.
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28'


Alessandro Nesta battles with Peter Crouch for possession
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27'

Blazed over from Ibrahimovic, significantly less impressive than his last effort.
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26'

Free-kick for Milan about 35 yards out.
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25'

I really don't know what Gomes was thinking, Pato was on the left of the area, not really in a dangerous position.
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25'

Robinho's shot deflected off Sandro and Gallas cleared it off the line, with Milan players claiming a goal.
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25'

He came out of goal and Pato took it around him before pulling it back to Robinho.
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24'

Gomes has a nightmare....
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24'

But the move breaks down, much to Allegri's annoyance. The Milan coach does not look a happy bunny in the dugout.
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24'

Lovely interchange between Abate and Pato down the right flank gives the former the chance to advance down the wing at pace.
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23'

Robinho turns and shoots from 20 yards. But it's very high and very wide from the Brazilian.
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22'

Robinho in towards Pato, whose shot from just inside the area if blocked by Dawson.
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21'

Crouch heads it clear from underneath a surprised-looking Gomes, but Spurs survive.
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21'

Boateng brought down by Lennon and Milan can get the ball into the danger zone.
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20'

But Milan have it clear.
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20'

Dawson gesticulating, asking for the ball.
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19'

Both teams being given plenty of space in midfield. Van der Vaart strikes one from the edge of the box and Nesta does well to deflect it out for a corner.
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18'

Van der Vaart brought down by Robinho in midfield.
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17'

Pienaar crosses it towards Crouch and the towering striker wins the header, but can't direct it goalwards.
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17'

Now Lennon can take on Jankulovski. Corluka looks for a one-two with Modric but the Croatian puts too much on it.
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16'

Milan have certainly had the upper hand for the last ten minutes after a fast-paced start from Spurs.
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15'

Robinho floats it in towards Boateng, who is penalised for climbing.
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15'

About 35 yards out, Ibrahimovic strikes it ferociously but Gomes gets a solid pair of hands on it. Corner.
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14'

Sandro fould Boateng after a terrible kick from Gomes, caused by a terrible back pass from Dawson.
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13'

Milan of course having to do without Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo - Flamini has unsurprisingly not enjoyed a welcome reception thus far.
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13'

It's a dangerous position and Pato looks to whip the ball into the near post, but it's hoofed clear.
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12'

Jankulovski and Boateng exchange passes deep in the Spurs half and Robinho wins a free-kick on the right-edge of the Spurs box, under a challenge from Assou Ekotto.
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11'

Don't forget you can follow Soccernet on Twitter - a must do for all you Tweeters out there.
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10'

A Spurs free-kick in midfield is wasted, straight out of play without getting anywhere near a player in white.
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9'

Robinho with some trickery on the edge of the box and he passes it to Seedorf, who plays in Jankulovski. A poor first touch though sees the ball fly harmlessly out for a goal-kick.
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8'

Stats: Steve Perryman scored twice for Spurs in a 2-1 victory over Milan in the 1972 UEFA Cup semi-final, the only previous meeting between the sides at White Hart Lane.
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7'

Crouch penalised for a foul on Thiago Silva, moments earlier he won a knockdown to Van der Vaart but Jankulovski cleared his lines.
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6'

Milan now attemtping to retain some possession, but Ibrahimovic is once again offside.
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5'

Milan playing it around riskily on the edge of their own box, Spurs playing a high pressing game and putting the Rossoneri under pressure at every opportunity.
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4'

Pato in space down the left and he whips a cross in but no-one is there.
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4'

Great opening at White Hart Lane, no more than we expected though - end-to-end stuff.
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3'

He crosses towards Crouch who climbs above Abate to head it down towards Van der Vaart, but Abbiati is bravely out to block his attempts to turn the ball goalwards.
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3'

Modric opens up some space and switches it to Lennon.
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3'

The ball comes out to Seedorf but his dinked ball into the box is dinked straight out for a goal-kick.
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2'

Ibrahimovic with an excellent run in round the back to pick up Seedorf's pass, but Dawson does well to divert it out for a corner.
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2'

Decent effort from Van der Vaart, good positive run from Pienaar through midfielder and he knocked it to VDV on the edge of the box, who poked a left-foot shot wide.
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1'

The ball floated in towards Zlatan early on, but he's offside.
*



Milan get us under way...
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The players walking out onto the pitch now, and just spotted a smirking Spurs fan with a banner saying: "Are you watching Arsene Wenger". I'm guessing probably not. Arsenal fans the world over praying for a Milan win tonight for sure.
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Gareth Bale, the scourge of Milan's city rivals Inter earlier this season, is on the bench and will be a pretty useful weapon for Redknapp to introduce. England boss Fabio Capello even went as far as calling Bale the world's best player today. Think that might be a bit over the top though.
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The first-leg result means we are likely to be in for a better game than if Milan had won and were just aiming to close out the tie. Allegri's side must chase the game, but can they deal with Spurs' devastating counter-attack football?
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AC Milan have plenty in attack to caus Spurs problems though. The Rossoneri's front line of Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic is a rather fearsome one and you fancy that Dawson and Gallas may be troubled.

juventus 0- milan 1

juventus 0- milan 1
Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Sorensen, Traore (Bonucci 84'), Felipe Melo, Marchisio, Martinez, Krasic, Matri (Del Piero 81'), Toni (Iaquinta 63')

Milan: Abbiati, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Jankulovski, Abate, Van Bommel, Boateng (Robinho 46'), Flamini, Gattuso, Cassano (Seedorf 71'), Ibrahimovic


After Pato’s late withdrawal due to the fever, Milan were forced to make changes. In Allegri’s 4-3-1-2 Abbiati started in goal behind Abate, Nesta Thiago Silva and Jankulovski Whilst the same midfield as the Napoli game was played (Flamini, Van Bommel, Gattuso). In attack, Robinho was on the bench perhaps with the Spurs game in mind, whilst Boateng’s impressive display earned him a starting spot behind Ibrahimovic and Cassano who was in for the ill Pato.

It seemes like all of Milan’s games start off at some pace nowadays, and this was no difference. Within minutes Milan could have led after an excellent ball in found Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but his shot was blocked well and the ball went high over the bar. Despite the exciting start though, there wasn’t much action in the opening 10 minutes, but both sides looked fairly dangerous on the counter – particularly Krasic’s driving running style for Juve (which also made it tricky to challenge him).

Pato will not play against Juve
Boateng: ‘I will tattoo the club logo’

After Juve had the better of the first 10 minutes or so (despite Milan being closest to scoring) the game was open, and Milan began to dominate, with some well worked combinations from Ibrahimovic and Cassano, as well as an excellent idea from a corner, where the ball was played out and then back in for Cassano running in to the side of the box – but the play was read well by Juve, and they were able to clear. Despite the game being open, there were no clear cut scoring chances early on.

Milan were imposing themselves more and more on the game, and just after 20 minutes, Milan very nearly took the lead! After a superb ball from Kevin-Prince Boateng, the ball fell to the feet of Antonio Cassano. The Italin did well to drag the ball right before cutting it back inside – but as he went to curl his shot in to the back of the net, he leaned back slightly and the ball sat up awkwardly – it ended up over the bar. Juve were getting a lot of dangerous free kicks around the Milan area, but failed to take advantage.

With not far off half an hour gone, Milan were noticably the better side, and were looking to get forward. Gennaro Gattuso played a superb ball downfield for Antonio Cassano, and Cassano did well to bring it down, and play it in to the box. His ball was looking for Ibrahimovic, and the Swede went to volley it goalwards first time – however, Ibrahimovic misread the flight of the ball, and the ball ended up bouncing past him to the touchline away from danger.

The Rossoneri were on top with 5 minutes to go before half time, and were getting quite a bit of joy from playing long balls inbetween the center back and full back, but still Milan were unable to capitalise. Both teams looked dangerous – particularly on the counter, though Milan were marginally the better side in the first half.

Milan had an oppertunity late on as Ibrahimovic showed great pace to beat Chiellini to the ball, after a slight mix up between him and Cassano, Fantantonio found himself fouled from behind, but nothing was given. Juve broke and Van Bommel was booked for a late tackle but nothing came of the free kick. After a fast and frantic opening part to the half, the game settled down to a much slower pace. Krasic had impressed for Juve, and Milan had just looked dangerous in general, though Cassano came the closest to giving Milan the lead, the score was 0-0 at half time.

At half time, Robinho was brought on for Kevin-Prince Boateng, in the hope of establishing a link between midfield and attack.

Milan started the second half in a similar vein to how they started the first. In the early exchnages though, the best effort came from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After a Milan counter, the Rossoneri had a free kick from around 25 yards out, and he blasted it goalwards with a dipping swerving shot. The effort had Gianluigi Buffon scrambling across goal, but the Italian just about managed to parry it wide and away from danger. Milan were now clearly the better team. Ibrahimovic did go down in Juve’s box a minute later wanting a penalty, it wasn’t clear either way but the referee waved play on regardless.

With almost 70 minutes on the clock, Milan took the lead! After a ball in to the box, Zlatan Ibrahimovic managed to knock the ball back towards the edge of the box. Gennaro Gattuso took one touch forward on the bounce after picking it up on the edge of the are, and then struck the ball hard and low back across goal with his weaker foot, leaving Buffon helpless as it head towards the bottom corner to give Milan the lead! A great finish for one not known for his finishing ability! After this Clarence Seedorf came on to replace Antonio Cassano.

In the next 10 minutes, there were no clear cut chances. Ibrahimovic was put through once, but he was found to be offside – which was unfortunate since he had managed to play an excellent ball for Seedorf to tap in, but the whistle had already gone.

Milan came close to doubling their lead shortly after. After some excellent play on the right flank from Clarence Seedorf, the dutchman chipped the ball in to the box. Ibrahimovic positioned himself well and played an intelligent knockdown for Flamini, but he couldn’t take it first time and Robinho’s late run in to the box prevented him from getting a shot away. The ball did end up at Robinho’s feet, and he shifted it before taking a shot but it was blocked, and nothing came from the corner.

As the game approached the end, the game settled down. It seems Milan were happy enough with the 1-0 win, and were content on remaining comfortable, whereas Juve were struggling to create much. Juventus made a very late claim for a penalty late on, right on the edge of the area, but it wasn’t as much of a penalty as Ibra’s earlier claim, and so correctly a penalty was not given..

The full time whistle sinalled a deserved and well earned victory for Milan. The Rossoneri have ticked off another one of their remaining games against big teams, and are now 1 step closer to the Scudetto after a huge 3 points against Juve – Massimiliano Allegri can now turn his attentions to the midweek clash with Spurs at White Hart Lane…

Best Moment: Gattuso’s quality finish

Man of the Match: Gennaro Gattuso, mainly for the winner but he looked solid throughout.

chievo 1 milan 2 february 21 2011

Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Morero, Cesar, Mantovani; Fernandes, Rigoni, Pulzetti (Bogliacino '45); Constant (Jokic '71); Thereau (Moscardelli '81), Pellissier.

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini (Oddo '45); Gattuso, Van Bommel, Merkel (Boateng '75); Robinho; Cassano (Pato '64), Ibrahimovic.

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Match ends, Chievo 1, Milan 2.
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90'

Second Half ends, Chievo 1, Milan 2.
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90'

Foul by Alexandre Pato (Milan).
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90'

Mariano Bogliacino (Chievo) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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90'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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90'

Second Half ends, Chievo 1, Milan 2.
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90'

Foul by Alexandre Pato (Milan).
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90'

Mariano Bogliacino (Chievo) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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90'

Foul by Gelson Fernandes (Chievo).
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90'

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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90'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Stefano Sorrentino.
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89'

Corner, Chievo. Conceded by Mark van Bommel.
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87'

Foul by Alexandre Pato (Milan).
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87'

Nicolas Frey (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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87'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Andrea Mantovani.
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85'

Mark van Bommel (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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85'

Foul by Davide Moscardelli (Chievo).
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84'

Second yellow card to Bostjan Cesar (Chievo) for hand ball.
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84'

Hand ball by Bostjan Cesar (Chievo).
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82'

Alexandre Pato (Milan) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration.
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82'

Goal! Chievo 1, Milan 2. Alexandre Pato (Milan) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Gennaro Gattuso.
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81'

Foul by Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan).
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81'

Santiago Morero (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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81'

Substitution, Chievo. Davide Moscardelli forward replaces Cyril Théréau.
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80'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Stefano Sorrentino.
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77'

Attempt missed. Robinho (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Ignazio Abate.
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75'

Foul by Robinho (Milan).
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75'

Luca Rigoni (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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74'

Foul by Thiago Silva (Milan).
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74'

Andrea Mantovani (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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74'

Substitution, Milan. Kevin-Prince Boateng midfielder replaces Alexander Merkel.
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73'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Bostjan Cesar.
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72'

Alessandro Nesta (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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72'

Foul by Cyril Théréau (Chievo).
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71'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Bojan Jokic.
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70'

Substitution, Chievo. Bojan Jokic defender replaces Kevin Constant.
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69'

Gennaro Gattuso (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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69'

Foul by Mariano Bogliacino (Chievo).
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67'

Luca Rigoni (Chievo) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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67'

Alexander Merkel (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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67'

Foul by Luca Rigoni (Chievo).
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65'

Dangerous play by Alexander Merkel (Milan).
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65'

Nicolas Frey (Chievo) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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65'

Substitution, Milan. Alexandre Pato forward replaces Antonio Cassano.
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64'

Attempt saved. Mariano Bogliacino (Chievo) left footed shot from long range on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Luca Rigoni.
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64'

Corner, Chievo. Conceded by Alessandro Nesta.
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63'

Foul by Thiago Silva (Milan).
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63'

Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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63'

Offside, Milan. Massimo Oddo tries a through ball, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside.
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62'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Luca Rigoni.
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61'

Goal! Chievo 1, Milan 1. Gelson Fernandes (Chievo) header from the right side of the six yard box to the top left corner. Assisted by Kevin Constant with a cross.
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61'

Offside, Milan. Massimo Oddo tries a through ball, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside.
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60'

Foul by Alexander Merkel (Milan).
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60'

Cyril Théréau (Chievo) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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59'

Corner, Chievo. Conceded by Robinho.
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59'

Attempt blocked. Cyril Théréau (Chievo) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kevin Constant.
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58'

Offside, Milan. Mark van Bommel tries a through ball, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside.
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57'

Antonio Cassano (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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57'

Foul by Andrea Mantovani (Chievo).
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57'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
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56'

Delay in match Ignazio Abate (Milan) because of an injury.
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55'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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55'

Foul by Santiago Morero (Chievo).
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53'

Santiago Morero (Chievo) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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53'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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53'

Foul by Santiago Morero (Chievo).
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52'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Bostjan Cesar.
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50'

Corner, Chievo. Conceded by Thiago Silva.
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48'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).
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48'

Gelson Fernandes (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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48'

Antonio Cassano (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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48'

Foul by Luca Rigoni (Chievo).
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Second Half begins Chievo 0, Milan 1.
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45'

Substitution, Milan. Massimo Oddo defender replaces Luca Antonini.
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45'

Substitution, Chievo. Mariano Bogliacino midfielder replaces Nico Pulzetti.
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45'

First Half ends, Chievo 0, Milan 1.
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45'

Mark van Bommel (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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45'

Foul by Kevin Constant (Chievo).
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44'

Offside, Milan. Alexander Merkel tries a through ball, but Antonio Cassano is caught offside.
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43'

Attempt missed. Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Cyril Théréau with a through ball.
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43'

Foul by Gennaro Gattuso (Milan).
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43'

Andrea Mantovani (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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41'

Attempt missed. Alessandro Nesta (Milan) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box misses to the left following a set piece situation.
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41'

Robinho (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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41'

Foul by Bostjan Cesar (Chievo).
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39'

Foul by Gennaro Gattuso (Milan).
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39'

Kevin Constant (Chievo) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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37'

Foul by Alexander Merkel (Milan).
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37'

Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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35'

Antonio Cassano (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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35'

Foul by Gelson Fernandes (Chievo).
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34'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).
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34'

Nicolas Frey (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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33'

Gennaro Gattuso (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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33'

Foul by Luca Rigoni (Chievo).
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33'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).
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33'

Andrea Mantovani (Chievo) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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30'

Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).
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30'

Luca Rigoni (Chievo) wins a free kick in his own half.
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28'

Attempt blocked. Gelson Fernandes (Chievo) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
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27'

Offside, Milan. Antonio Cassano tries a through ball, but Robinho is caught offside.
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27'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Stefano Sorrentino.
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27'

Attempt saved. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Robinho.
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26'

Attempt saved. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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25'

Goal! Chievo 0, Milan 1. Robinho (Milan) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a headed pass.
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23'

Antonio Cassano (Milan) wins a free kick in his own half.
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23'

Foul by Bostjan Cesar (Chievo).
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21'

Offside, Milan. Mark van Bommel tries a through ball, but Antonio Cassano is caught offside.
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19'

Corner, Milan. Conceded by Andrea Mantovani.
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19'

Attempt blocked. Robinho (Milan) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked. Assisted by Gennaro Gattuso.
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18'

Attempt saved. Luca Rigoni (Chievo) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
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15'

Bostjan Cesar (Chievo) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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14'

Antonio Cassano (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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14'

Foul by Luca Rigoni (Chievo).
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14'

Offside, Chievo. Santiago Morero tries a through ball, but Sergio Pellissier is caught offside.
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12'

Attempt missed. Cyril Théréau (Chievo) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Nico Pulzetti.
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9'

Attempt missed. Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Cyril Théréau with a through ball.
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8'

Offside, Chievo. Nicolas Frey tries a through ball, but Cyril Théréau is caught offside.
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6'

Robinho (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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6'

Foul by Nico Pulzetti (Chievo).
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2'

Hand ball by Mark van Bommel (Milan).
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1'

Offside, Milan. Mark van Bommel tries a through ball, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside.
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First Half begins.
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Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

milan 4 parma 0 : bravo cassano!

Milan-Parma, Formazioni Ufficiali/Official Lineups:
MILAN: Abbiati, Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Gattuso, Van Bommel, Merkel, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Cassano.
PARMA: Mirante, Gobbi, Lucarelli, Paci, Zaccardo, Valiani, Dzemaili, Candreva, Giovinco, Amauri, Crespo.

Great performance of the rossoneri today at San Siro! AC Milan beats Parma 4-0, goals by Seedorf, Cassano and twice score by Robinho!

Milan’s injury hit squad was still nowhere near full strength, and although he was due to play, Pirlo suffered a setback in training to keep him out too, so in Allegri’s 4-3-1-2, Christian Abbiati started in goal, behind a slightly more recognisable back 4 than in recent times with Massimo Oddo on the right, the number 1 partnership of Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta in the middle, and Luca Antonini on the left. In midfield, Van Bommel retained his spot, along with Gennaro Gattuso and Alexander Merkel. Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic started up front with Antonio Cassano, with Clarence Seedorf back in the side behind them.

The game (like many of Milan’s this season) started off at a frantic pace, with Clarence Seedorf involved instantly after returning from injury. As Gennaro Gattuso won the ball back, he managed to find Clarence Seedorf with a little bit of space. The Dutchman took a few strides forward, and unleashed a strike at goal! The shot was a decent one, and it forced Mirante in to making a smart save, but the keeper was not beaten, and despite threatening otherwise, the scores remained level very early on.


With just 7 minutes gone, Milan took the lead! After Alexander Merkel showed good pace and dribbling on the left, he cut inside and took a shot, however, his effort was deflected out towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The swede intelligently played a through ball in to space, and Seedorf had already started making the run. Picking up Ibra’s superb pass, Seedorf touched the ball past Antonio Mirante, before walking the ball in to the empty net! A cool, calm and collected finish after a cool calm an collected ball from Ibrahimovic!

Within minutes of a world class save from Abbiati to deny Giovinco, Milan had doubled their lead! Once again, some excellent work from Alexander Merkel lead to the goal – but this time there was a difference. Merkel picked out Antonio Cassano, who ran in towards the box, and layed the ball off to Gennaro Gattuso at the edge – this was just the first part of the 1-2 though, as Gattuso flicked the ball over the Parma defenders, straight to Cassano! Cassano managed to bring the ball down with an excellent first touch, before calmly slotting the ball in to the bottom right corner to score his first goal for the Rossoneri!

Almost 28 minutes in to the game, Milan’s lead could easily have been 3! By this stage the Rossoneri were dominating, and were clearly the better side, with any half chances for Parma few and far between to say the least. Clarence Seedorf was just outside the left edge of the box, when he managed to pull it back across goal! The ball sqqueezed through and it seemingly found its way to Alexander Merkel, but Merkel completely missed the ball whilst swinging for it! He was very unlucky, but his ‘air shot’ was nowhere near the ball, and so the lead stayed at 2-0.

Shortly after, there were another two oppertunities to take the lead, this time through Antonio Cassano, and then Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cassano’s chance came after a run just outside the box. The italian turned inwards and struck the ball ferociously with power at the goal of Antonio Mirante – however, the goalkeeper did well to punch the ball over the bar. Ibrahimovic’s effort was one where he perhaps should have passed – after some good footwork he found himself approaching the 6 yard box, and Antonio Cassano fired in a superb ball for him which he just got on to, before taking the shot, but his effort went wide.

The half came to a close with the Rossoneri still in complete control. Milan were looking comfortable at the back, and impressie going forward, not a single player was having a poor game, and they had a 2-0 lead to boot! Parma never really got going, and the front 3 of Giovinco, Crespo and Amauri hadn’t really tested Abbiati’s goal.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half were fairly quiet, with little action in front of goal. Milan did have one or two half chances though. Firstly Van Bommel smashed the ball goalwards, and the deflcted shot found it’s way in to the path of Clarence Seedorf, however, he fired over the crossbar. Secondly, Milan should have had a penalty, after Ibrahimovic’s free kick struck a Parma defender’s arm in the wall, but the referee either didn’t see it, or didn’t think it was a penalty, as the game played on. Meanwhile, Parma rarely threatened and the Rossoneri’s back 4 looked solid.

With 58 minutes on the clock, Allegri decided to take off Clarence Seedorf for Robinho – and the dutchman walked off to rapturous applause, after a very good performance.

This proved to be an inspired substitute after just 3 minutes! Despite Parma looking like they might get back in to the game, Milan added to their lead! After a run in to the box on the left from Antonio Cassano, the Italian intelligently managed to flash it across goal, and Ibrahimovic let it run behind him for Robinho to run on to it and score with a very neat finish in to the bottom corner! Instant impact from the substitute, and a goal and an assist wrapped up for Antonio Cassano! As a result of the goal, with all 3 points secured, Massimiliano Allegri decided to bring on Flamini for Gattuso. Seconds after, the lead could have been 4! After an awesome low ball across the box for Robinho by Ibra, but Lucarelli did well to get something on it to stop him scoring!

Nearing the 65 minute mark, Milan crushed Parma’s spirit even further by adding yet another goal! Robinho once again on the scoresheet! Mark Van Bommel managed to pick out Antonio Cassano, who took the ball in his stride and dribbled at the Parma defence! The Italian continued without being stopped until around 20 yards out, where he had Ibrahimovic to his right, and Robinho to his left! He chose the unmarked Robinho, and the Brazilian made no mistake whatsoever in slotting the ball neatly in to the back of the net past the helpless oncoming Antonio Mirante! With the game well and truly done, Allegri gave Pato a run out in the center forward role, and a rest for Ibrahimovic with a sub.

Parma had another half chance within the next 10 minutes, but again Abbiati was on top. Truth be told, Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta completely dominated defensively, it once again showed how much better defensively Milan are when paired together. Thiago Silva was excellent at attacking the Parma forwards, and any time they did get a bit closer to goal, Alessandro Nesta was there to clean up any mess, the pair complimented each other wonderfully, and meant that there was a solid foundation to base attacks on.

The game ended as the last 10 minutes fizzled out quite quickly, the only chance coming from Pato’s effort inside the box, but he didn’t strike it cleanly and it went wide. It was a very comfortable performance, and possibly the best kind of preparation for the Spurs game. There were no fresh injuries, Ibra, Gattuso and Seedorf earned some rest, Flamini, Pato and Robinho had some rest – and the Rossoneri racked up 4 goals whilst looking rarely troubled at the back, an excellent victory!

Best Moment: Robinho’s second goal, to seal the victory

Man of the Match: Antonio Cassano, a goal and 2 assists!

milan 0 lazio 0

MILAN: Abbiati; Oddo Bonera Yepes Antonini; Flamini Thiago Silva Emanuelson; Robinho; Pato Ibrahimovic.
LAZIO: Muslera; Lichsteiner Biava Dias Radu; Brocchi Ledesma Gonzales; Hernanes; Kozak Sculli

catania 0 milan 2

Catania: Andujar; Augustyn (Ricchiuti 66), Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni (Pesce 45); Ledesma, Sciacca (Morimoto 82), Gomez, Mascara; Maxi Lopez

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Yepes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini (Jankulovski 75), Van Bommel, Merkel (Emanuelson 46); Robinho; Ibrahimovic, Cassano (Oddo 59)


The Rossoneri were struck with more injury woes, as Abate ruled out. Still, Allegri fielded a 4-3-1-2, with Abbiati in goal behind Antonini, Thiago Silva, Yepes, and Bonera who played RB instead of the injured Abate. In midfield, Van Bommel started once more, alongside Ambrosini and young Alexander Merkel, whilst a familiar 3 of Robinho, Cassano and Ibrahimovic formed the attack.

mark van bommel : profile and picture

Mark Peter Gertuda Andreas van Bommel
Full name Mark Peter Gertruda Andreas van Bommel
Date of birth 22 April 1977 (1977-04-22)
Place of birth Maasbracht, Netherlands
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in)
Playing position Midfielder

Mark van Bommel started his amateur career at local club RKVV Maasbracht before earning a professional contract with Fortuna Sittard in 1992. His other colleagues at Fortuna at that time who would later join PSV alongside him were Wilfred Bouma and Kevin Hofland.

PSV

Van Bommel was signed by PSV in 1999 where he formed a midfield partnership with Swiss international Johann Vogel. He won three Eredivisie titles and two Johan Cruyff Shields with the club. He was also named Dutch Player of the Year in 2001 and 2005.

In his final season with PSV, having assisted the team to the Dutch league title and a Champions League semi-final place, he was expected to join his father-in-law Bert van Marwijk who at the time managed the Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, but van Bommel opted to stay at PSV until the end of the 2004–05 season.

After the Champions League semi-final loss to AC Milan and with the Eredivisie title in PSV's hands at the end of April, he confirmed he would join FC Barcelona in May 2005 after the club won their own domestic league.


Won the Eredivisie title in his first two seasons, skippering PSV to the second of those triumphs and two further titles, the second of which, in 2004/05, was accompanied by victory in the Dutch Cup, a run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and his election as Dutch footballer of the year for the second time, after 2001.

Joined Barcelona, where fellow Dutchman Frank Rijkaard was the coach, and helped the Catalan club win the Liga and UEFA Champions League in only his season before leaving for Bayern.

Dropped from the Netherlands team by Marco van Basten in 2005 but recalled for the 2006 FIFA World Cup – his first major tournament after sitting out UEFA EURO 2004 through injury; fell out with Van Basten again and missed UEFA EURO 2008 but restored, with considerable success, by Bert van Marwijk, his father-in-law, for the 2010 World Cup.

Won the Bundesliga/German Cup double with Bayern in 2007/08 then succeeded the retired Oliver Kahn as club captain; celebrated his seventh top-flight title in 11 years as Bayern won the 2009/10 Budesliga, adding the German Cup for good measure.

Appeared in his second UEFA Champions League final but finished on the losing side as Bayern went down 2-0 to FC Internazionale Milano.

Influential ever-present for the Netherlands as they finished runners-up to Spain at the 2010 World Cup; appointed Oranje captain for the start of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying following Giovanni van Bronckhorst's retirement.

Played regularly for Bayern in the first half of 2010/11 but with his contract entering its final six months, he moved to Milan on a free transfer in January.
Milan

On 25 January 2011, Van Bommel signed a six-month contract with Italian club Milan on a free transfer after terminate his contract with Bayern Munich.He was given the number 4 shirt, and the day after, made his debut in a 2–1 victory against Sampdoria in the 2010–11 Coppa Italia quarter-finals leg.