European Champions' League

First Knock-out Round, Leg 2

AC Milan 0
Arsenal 2 Fabregas, Adebayor

Arsenal won 2-0 on aggregate

It was such a magnificent performance by Arsenal at the San Siro where the home side, AC Milan had never lost to an English side prior to this match.

The odds were against the Gunners from the beginning and the first twenty minutes certainly indicated it would be a long long night for the men from North London. Milan plan was to look for an early goal with Pippo Inzaghi partnering Pato up-front with World Player of the Year, Kaka playing in the hole.

Manuel Almunia certainly had to be alert but then, the Gunners began to assert control and prevented Milan from creating any clear cut chance.

They went close a number of times during the first half with the closest chance fell to Cesc Fabregas whose effort left Zelko Kalac in the Milan goal stranded but much to the Spaniard's disappointment it hit the bar and went out.

The match was Arsenal to win and a single goal scored by the visitor meant that Milan had to double it. Then five minutes from time Fabregas was given a bit of space and he let fly from 30 metres.

It seemed a bit unreal as I watched the ball travelled ever so slowly past Kalac and only after it hit the back of the net only I believed it had gone in. It was such a joy especially when it was away at the holders' home stadium.

Milan now had to score twice and from the way events unfolded during the match it was very unlikely. Just to add the icing on the cake substitute Theo Walcott's pace brought him past a defender and his low cross was diverted by Manu Adebayor into the net for his first Champions League in Arsenal colours.

It was indeed a magnificent night in Milan for Arsenal.

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