TIME MACHINE: AC MILAN v CRVENA ZVEZDA

AC Milan v Crvena zvezda is our sixth fixture of the season in the Champions League, and the third at San Siro. This matchup reappears in Europe's top competition, following the qualifiers in the 2006/07 edition and, most notably, the clash in the Round of 16 in 1988/89. That memorable double-header is etched in history, particularly for the return leg in Belgrade, marked by fog and penalties. However, in our Time Machine, we will revisit the first leg played at San Siro, which was equally significant for Sacchi's team's European journey.

In front of over 70,000 spectators at San Siro, AC Milan and Crvena Zvezda cross paths after both teams comfortably advanced from the first round, defeating Vitoša Sofia and Dundalk, respectively. Both clubs had returned to winning ways in their domestic leagues the previous season after a significant hiatus (four years for the Serbs, nine for the Rossoneri). Sacchi's season had started positively, with the aforementioned European first round against the Bulgarians, along with progressing through the first round of the Coppa Italia (four wins and a draw) and a solid start in the league with victories over Fiorentina and Pescara, plus a goalless draw against Lazio. The Rossoneri made attempts, particularly a shot from Virdis following a nice move from Donadoni, but the first half was dominated by the visitors, with an inspired Stojković posing a threat several times near Giovanni Galli's goal, though he was unable to beat the AC Milan goalkeeper.

The number 10 for Crvena zvezda broke the deadlock at the start of the second half, concluding an individual effort that benefited from a few lucky bounces. The Rossoneri responded immediately and forcefully, with not even a minute passing before the equaliser arrived. A deep pass from van Basten found Virdis, who coolly slotted it past the previously unbeatable Stojanović (the first goal conceded by the Serbs in the tournament). The two goals altered the scoreline but did not change the course of a match that continued in absolute equilibrium, resembling a series of almost chess-like manoeuvres. Both coaches attempted to shift the dynamics with substitutions, Gullit for Virdis on AC Milan's side and Mrkela for Savićević for Crvena zvezda. The score remained unchanged, despite efforts from van Basten and Donadoni, among others. The first leg ended 1-1, leaving the tie balanced as they headed to Belgrade. The rest is history.

Tickets are available for AC Milan v Crvena Zvezda, AC Milan v Genoa and AC Milan v Roma: see you at San Siro!