#ONTHISDAY: 2003, AC MILAN 3‑2 AJAX
History
90 minutes as gripping as a film. A million different emotions and sensations to get to the sweetest possible ending, thanks to the help of an unexpected hero. Today marks 21 years since AC Milan v Ajax, an unforgettable match that paved the way to a Champions League semi-final, which was eventually won at the Theatre of Dreams in Manchester. Before England, however, there was San Siro. On 23 April 2003, we relive that 3-2 win through a collection of the most beautiful photos.
A 0-0 draw in the first leg in Amsterdam forced Ancelotti's side into needing a win, given the away goal rule which would have seen the Lancers progress in the event of a score draw. To do so, the Rossoneri coach relied on a 4-4-2 formation led by the season's two top scorers, Inzaghi and Shevchenko.
The Rossoneri flew out of the traps, breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute. It was the two AC Milan centre-forwards who made it: a cross from Sheva and a majestic header from SuperPippo.
The match remained tight, though, and the Rossoneri's attacking threat failed to lead to a second. Ajax did not give up and struck back in the 63rd minute through Litmanen.
AC Milan reacted in the best possible way, taking the lead following a couple of balls forward. It was them again, but this time roles reversed: an assist from Inzaghi and Shevchenko did the rest.
With the final quarter of an hour to play, qualification was in the balance. A new twist in the tale came in the 77th minute, when the visitors made it 2-2 through Pienaar, who was sharp to beat Dida in the six-yard box.
The Rossoneri threw everything at it in the closing stages, knowing they had to score again to go through to the semis. Ancelotti brought on Tomasson and Rivaldo for Šimić and Kaladze, pushing his team forward.
It was a move that paid dividends on the stroke of 90 minutes, with a goal that has entered Rossoneri history: Inzaghi's lobbed an onrushing Lobont, and with the ball heading towards goal Tomasson's touch on the line sent it home. For the Dane, it was certainly his most memorable moment in his first season with the Rossoneri (he ended with eleven goals in 37 appearances). For all those witnessing at San Siro, the joy was uncontainable. At the final whistle, it ended 3-2: a semi-final place booked and one step closer to Manchester towards the dream.
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