Stade Louis II in Monaco, 31 August 2007
31st August 2007
On 31 August 2007, AC Milan proved that they felt at home playing against Europe’s toughest opponents: it was their natural habitat. After a difficult summer on the pitch and in the transfer market, the Rossoneri came from behind to beat Sevilla, the then holders of the European Super Cup, 3-1. The triumph at the Stade Louis II continued AC Milan’s great affinity for the trophy: having now won it five times (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003 and 2007 following on from a triumphant European Cup/Champions League campaign on each occasion), the Rossoneri were entitled to keep the original version of the silverware they’d got their hands on in the Club’s trophy cabinet for the first time and forever.
The match was played out in an emotional atmosphere following the passing of Sevilla player Antonio Puerta. Many tributes and acts of solidarity were dedicated to his memory, like the banner ‘Onore a Puerta’ (‘Honour to Puerta’) displayed by AC Milan’s fans and the fact that the players opted to have his name printed on the back of their shirts. Following their victory, the Rossoneri dedicated the trophy to the player from Seville. Another historic day would follow for AC Milan a few months later: on 2 December, Kaká became the sixth Rossoneri player to win the Ballon d'Or, finishing ahead of other great champions in the France Football ranking. Not long after, the Brazilian would receive the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
