TIME MACHINE: BAGGIO IN AC MILAN v BORDEAUX

Facing Roma, or generally, an Italian opponent marks the first instance in our history in the Europa League/UEFA Cup. As we approach the first round of the Europa League 2023/2024 Quarter-Finals, let's reminisce about the first leg of the UEFA Cup Quarter-finals in 1995/96. Today it's Roma, yesterday it was Bordeaux. Always at San Siro. The star of the evening, Roberto Baggio. And it's from his perspective that we relive the 2-0 victory.

The Divine Ponytail also added AC Milan red to his extraordinary career. Joining AC Milan after his youth stint in Caldogno (his birthplace), debuting at Vicenza, moving through Fiorentina and Juventus in Serie A, participating in two World Cups with the national team, and notably, winning the Ballon d'Or. A portfolio of victories and accolades were truly significant for one of our football's greatest players. The 1995/96 season was Baggio's first in Milan colours. From an assist in Padova to a goal against Udinese in the league, his season really took off from December when, over ten games, he played, scored, and made a decisive impact. In the UEFA Cup, he shone against Zagłębie Lubin and struck against Strasbourg (with a brace), leading up to 20:45 CET on 5 March.

Capello's Rossoneri awaited Bordeaux after eliminating Zagłębie Lubin, Strasbourg, and Sparta Praha. Notably, Vieira made one of his rare appearances, and the absence of star striker Weah, replaced by Baggio. Ielpo stopped Bancarel's attempt, the team grew and attacked persistently: Baggio skimmed the post with a right-footer and then repeated with his left, Desailly was inaccurate. In the 29', AC Milan broke the deadlock after a beautiful play: Simone to Savićević, who passed to Eranio surprising Huard. A long-range shot from Croci brought the game to half-time, and in the second half, it was a Roby-show: he calibrated a free-kick, was incorrectly halted for offside missing a potential great chance, and in the 74', the delight: a soft free-kick finding the corner to beat the goalkeeper. The final whistle blew after a thrilling moment from Witschge, who missed from close range.

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