Barcelona - Barcelona scintillating performance in the first half of this season to make La Liga throne to become their property. Team captain Carles Puyol expects El Barca can continue this positive trend in the years ahead. Sixteen games in Spain have traveled by skuad besutan Josep Guardiola this. They collect 41 points from 13 victories result, the two series and lost only one time. Note the plus suprlus print them a good goal, namely 38 (48-10). And strikernya, Samuel Eto'o, led the list of top while El Pichici.
Puyol said that the appearance of the good in 2008 do not make them driven. And he predicts that the Blaugrana will be working hard in the second half because the other team would want to defeat them. "We have to do something good towards the end of 2008 and we want to continue when entering 2009. But we know this will be a complicated," said Puyol, such as This Goal. "Make us no rest time. We use it to compete twice a week and we have a strong skuad. This means that everything will get a chance to wash down," he continued.
Puyol also add himself very pleased with the return of Andres Iniesta, who has long been absent due to injuries dibebat early in the season. Iniesta attendance rate, he will bring a new spirit for the team. "When Andres (Iniesta) is in the team, we only lost a few opportunities. He is one of the best players in the world and will return to both union team again.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Puyol: Barcelona Same in 2009
Fergie Not Quite
Sunday, December 28, 2008
FERGUSON OFFERS PEACE TO BORO
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered the hand of friendship to Middlesbrough ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on Monday.
He wants to put to bed the bad feeling that has simmered between them the past two years.
"We hope the Christmas spirit has lingered on long enough to help heal the rift that had developed between the two clubs," he said.
The rift began in December 2006 when Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate accused Cristiano Ronaldo of cheating after he won a penalty in United's 2-1 victory in the league.
Three months later tempers flared again in an FA Cup sixth round replay at Old Trafford with Ronaldo again the centre of controversy.
The Portugal winger went to ground late on and scored from the spot to ease his side through.
Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison was so incensed he was given a straight red card for a challenge on Ronaldo - and Southgate appeared to condone his player's behaviour.
Then last September the simmering tensions between the two clubs flared up again during a Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford.
Rodrigo Possebon was carried off with a deep gash on his leg after being clattered by defender Emmanuel Pogatetz - the Austrian later apologised.
Ferguson was angered after the victory not just with Pogatetz's lunge but also the way the Middlesbrough bench reacted as if the player was feigning injury.
Now the veteran Scot wants to build bridges with the Teessiders and stated in his programme notes: "Over the years we have had some contentious games, culminating earlier in the season with the Carling Cup tie.
"A terrible tackle put Rodrigo Possebon out of the game but could easily have broken his leg.
"I lost my temper at the time but hopefully that challenge has served to bring both clubs to their senses.
"I feel the healing process started when their manager and his coach apologised for the tackle and things said in the heat of the moment.
"I think we understand better now that we are involved in games of football and not a war.
"I am sure we can build a better relationship. I certainly hope so because we have had some momentous games against Middlesbrough, matches that have helped decide titles.
"Those games also generate a great atmosphere and we always take a big crowd to the Riverside."
Ferguson was critical of Southgate's appointment as the England defender did not have the correct badges.
However it appears the Scot is warming to his managerial counterpart.
Ferguson added: "I certainly admire the work of Gareth Southgate, a young manager who made the bold and brave decision to change the shape of his team, moving on older players to make way for a fresh, young squad.
"Managing change is one of the most difficult aspects of our job and I cannot help but admire his ambition and conviction.
"He has pursued a policy that has altered the face of the team, without conceding too much ground in the league."
Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand will sit out the match after suffering a back spasm before the side claimed a narrow victory at Stoke.
Patrice Evra is again ruled out through suspension while Dimitar Berbatov is pushing for a recall to the team after making an impact when he stepped off the bench on Boxing Day.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Galliani still believe Sheva
The failure of Andriy Shevchenko showed best performance during the season does not make part Adriano Galliani despair. AC Milan vice president is sure Sheva will still show ketajamannya.
Many of the rate if the golden stars Timnas Ukraine has ended. Sheva's appearance as the starting XI along part this season can be counted with the fingers. Sheva also successfully menjaringkan new two goals, each fight in the UEFA Cup and Serie A.
Clearly, the record is disappointing for a printer that berpredikat second highest scorer throughout history Rossoneri. That, two bad seasons with Chelsea is the main player who had to reach penghargan Ballon d'Or in 2004 that lost their sharpness.
However, Galliani rejected the contention that the decision Milan Sheva borrow from Chelsea this season is the beginning of a wrong step. Male 64 years old believe that, sooner or later will be back Sheva best game show.
"Sheva is a tremendous player, he behave very well and I still believe in him. Quality is always there, but the problem is how to make him appear consistent," said Galliani as disitat AP, Tuesday (23/12/2008).
by (okezone)
Arshavin move closer to Arsenal?
As has been previously made, Arshavin has express desires Hijrah from zenith to try to fight in other European elite club. The direct intention ditanggapi enthusiastically by a number of elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the opportunity is now the fourth club seems really threatened. According to the latest news, Arshavin would be anchored in the club besutan Arsène Wenger, Arsenal.
"Zenith ready to sell Arshavin to Arsenal transfer value with 20 million Pounds Sterling," said general manager zenith as Maxim Mitrofanov AP , Tuesday (23/12/2008).
Transfer speculation Arshavin to Arsenal after the menguat himself visible in the gym The Gunners in London, last week.
Until now, there has been no official confirmation from the zenith and certainty about Arsenal beritatersebut. However, Arshavin's zenith when the subject of Real Madrid 0-3 in elimination Champions League Group H ago seems almost certain to be his last appearance with the zenith.
by (okezone)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Milan come to this season's Christmas break with a balance of 24 matches played: 14 victories, 5 draws, and 5 defeats. Away from San Siro more has to
MILAN - With the Christmas break the first part of the 2008/2009 is over. It's time to draw up the balance for the Rossoneri ahead of the departure for Dubai, where the team will work from 29 December to 7 January.
In the league the Rossoneri finish 2008 nine points below the top of the table, an important gap but which does not take away the right motivation from Carlo Ancelotti's lads to fight for the Scudetto.
This league season has unfortunately been characterised by numerous injuries which have limited Carlo Ancelotti's project. In 17 matchdays the Rossoneri have picked up 33 points, with 10 victories, 3 draws, and 4 defeats. Compared to last season, that's 15 points more, even though by the 17th matchday of last season the team had to recover three matches.
Of the 33 points earned so far no less than 24 were earned at San Siro, while only 9 points have been won in away games. Meanwhile, 28 goals were scored and 18 were conceded. From the third matchday Milan earned 11 consecutive positive results. Among these results there was the derby won on 28 September thanks to Ronaldinho's goal.
The Brazilian is the team's top goalscorer in the league with 7 goals from the matches against Inter, Sampdoria (2), Napoli, Lecce, and Palermo. Also Ricky Kaká confirmed himself as a top goalscorer, having scored 7 goals like his friend Ronaldinho.
In the Uefa Cup the team finished qualifying Group E in second place. Eight points were gathered with 2 victories and 2 draws. Eight goals were scored and five were conceded.
In the Coppa Italia Carlo Ancelotti's men were eliminated in the eighth finals after losing 2-1 to Lazio in extra time.
Overall, then, the 2008/09 season has seen Milan play 24 matches in which the Rossoneri earned 14 victories, 5 draws, and 5 defeats.
milan not yet exhausted
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Mourinho expects Adriano to leave Inter
Adriano has fallen out of favour, following several incidents, under Mourinho.
Mourinho told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Adriano should think long and hard about what he wants.
“He is injured and it is easier to recover from a muscular problem when it is warm and he is far away from controversy,” explained Mourinho.
“If I were him, I’d think long and hard whether he wants to stay here where he has a certain image or to leave. I await him for the start of training on January 2.”
Chelsea, Flamengo, Bordeaux and Paris Saint Germain are all keen on signing the 26-year-old striker in January, according to Italian media.
Adriano has only scored one goal for the Nerazzurri this season.
Juventus hit Milan 4 - 2, Amauri terrible
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Champions League: Chelsea held, Inter shocked
Five-time winners Liverpool progressed from Group D after a Steven Gerrard goal gave them a 1-0 home win over Olympique Marseille. The Premier League side were joined in the knockout stage by Atletico Madrid, who beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 behind closed doors at the Calderon.
Inter advanced from Group B despite a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Panathinaikos.
Chelsea appeared to be cruising into the last 16 after French striker Nicolas Anelka fired them ahead on the hour but had to hold on in the closing stages after Alou Diarra headed in the equaliser and Frank Lampard was sent off.
Roma went top of Group A with a 3-1 win at CFR Cluj and have nine points ahead of their final match at home to Bordeaux. Chelsea, who are at home to Cluj, have eight while Bordeaux are on seven and need to beat the Italian side to progress.
A Jose Sarriegi goal in the 69th minute gave Panathinaikos an unlikely win at the San Siro and an excellent chance to reach the last 16 as they need only a draw in their final game against Anorthosis Famagusta in Athens.
Inter have eight points, Panathinaikos seven and Anorthosis six after squandering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Werder, who have four points and can only salvage a UEFA Cup berth available to the eight third-placed teams.
Barcelona sealed top spot in Group C with a 5-2 away rout of also qualified Sporting while Shakhtar Donetsk secured a place in the UEFA Cup last 32 with a 5-0 home drubbing of Basel thanks to a Jadson hat-trick.
Mourinho unaware of Drogba link
Jose Mourinho insists he knows nothing about fresh reports linking Chelsea striker Didier Drogba with a move to Internazionale.
Inter's technical director Marco Branca reportedly met with Drogba's agent Pierre Frelot on Monday along with Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes at a restaurant in London."I don't know where Branca was, I was at dinner at Cernobbio," he said. "I know absolutely nothing about this story."
The Ivory Coast international was linked with a switch to the Italian club last summer before he decided to commit to The Blues and see out his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho believes Drogba is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the short term,, despite enduring an up and down season that has been undermined by injury and suspension.
"I know on the other hand that Drogba is part of the history of Chelsea and, from afar, it seems to me that he is and will be a Chelsea player," he added.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari reacted angrily to the reports.
Responding to the claims, Scolari said: "I do not sleep with Drogba. Where he was? I don't know. I'm not a policeman for my players.
"Ask Peter Kenyon [chief executive], ask Roman Abramovich [Chelsea owner].
"I don't know, I am only the coach."
Maradona threatened killed
British men were arrested on the day where Maradona to make official debut as coach Argentina tense meeting with Scotland in the fight in the pilot Hampden Park.
The attacker was identified named Ian Wellworth aged 43 years old. Wellworth arrested when found out he has a machete in front of Hampden Park.
Wellworth dikabarkan still rancorous top of the goal "The Hand of God" to the goalpost English Maradona when Argentina had the World Cup in 1986 provided that he intends to cut the former Napoli player.
Due to the controversial goal, Wellworth, which lost money betting plunge to the results obtained from borrowing. As a result, he lost everything including his wife who decide abandoned.
The amount of money a stake Wellworth about 600 euros, but if England win the World Cup in 1986 and he will get five times.
Still, according to the news, Wellworth is currently experiencing unemployment and the disruption kejiwaan. Ulahnya due to the Wellworth threatened imprisonment of five years.
City prepares to Rp2 Trillion Kaka and Buffon?
Since moving from the hands of Thaksin Shinawatra of the businessmen to the UAE, Manchester City, is very active, and pursue the best players. Robinho is the first big recruitment. After that, they signed up a number of stars, including Buffon and Kaka.
According to the Daily Telegraph, City is very passionate to both players and it is ready to pay big. Buffon will be purchased for 60 million euros (around Rp973, 9 billion). Meanwhile, Kaka will be bought with a price of 70 million euros (around 1.1 trillion).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
History of association football
The history of football, which is usually known simply as football, can be traced to traditional football games played in Europe, particularly Medieval England, in ancient times. The modern game has its roots in the formation of the The Football Association (FA) in England in 1863. Several clubs met in London, to create a National code, that would allow clubs to play each other without dispute. At the time, football clubs all played by their own, individual codes of rules, and game-day rules had to be agreed upon before they could play one another.
The FA code was immediate, as sport was still very much an amateur activity. The first professional clubs were formed after working class people took up the sport, and entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to make money from spectators coming to see star players. Once professionalism took hold and Football became a Working Man's Game, The popularity of the game became immense and was soon spread throughout the world by British expatriates.
Read More......MESSI IN THE FAR RONALDO
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 Barcelona - Cristiano Ronaldo may be a favorite terkuat wholesaler degree pesepakbola best European and even world this year. But according to Thierry Henry, who deserve to obtain a degree is Lionel Messi. "Messi is the best. What did he come from another world," said Henry as a form of support for colleagues in Barcelona setimnya it. "He was truly extraordinary. After witnessing the party Arsenal against Manchester United yesterday, I insist that Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed a case. Messi, but also other things." "There is no comparison. Messi deserve wins Ballon d'Or this year," supplement the France international attacker, who finish third in the order in the bottom of Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon in the exchange of best European 2006. Announcement of the winner Ballon d'Or this year will be released three weeks. Messi and Ronaldo are the two players that most people dijagokan, exceeding the three other candidates, namely Iker Casillas, Xavi and Fernando Torres. Messi had their own sponsor said that he Xavi or Sergio Aguero to win award from the list of 30 candidates. As for Ronaldo, who has won the stock version of the world's best players FIFPro, the top title dirnya is feasible. |
Lampard: DO NOT SLIP AGAIN, MU
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 London - Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, to comment on the defeat of Manchester United, Arsenal. He warned MU, to slip again if the opportunity to maintain a degree champion can be lost. In the fight that took place at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday (8/11/2008), The Red Devils must acknowledge the resilience of the Gunners be caused to bow after a 1-2 score. Results will also increase the number defeat MU in the Premier League into two. After all, the team of Sir Alex Ferguson also stagnating in the fourth position while the forum, which terbawah between angota other Big Four. Difference number with them now that Chelsea are in the top forum also extends into eight points. Lampard clearly pleased with the difference. However, he reminds sporting a "red devil" not to slip again. English is full of international reminded how difficult Chelsea chase when the MU gaining points in the two previous seasons always come out as the Premier League champion. "This is a good distance for us. Indeed, things are still not ended, but in the last two years are always the same. We have left behind five digits on the back of them and it is not easy," he said as This Sportinglife. "When you pursue the position, you can not suffer defeat. More easily if you go first, because the points gives you a sense of security." Lampard also reminded his team to remain consistent in collecting points for the points from victory. Ultimately, points tersebutlah that will make the Blues the lead over rival fixed-rivalnya. "You must remember that Liverpool have the same points with us. But Manchester United and Arsenal, which is always a serious competitor, not far behind." "Pursuing something that is not easy. There is increased pressure, to lose again if you will be increasingly left behind," he says. |
Friday, November 7, 2008
david to go on loan
Earlier, AC Milan and LA Galaxy released a joint statement, with the following:
An agreement has been reached between the Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan for the loan of David Beckham effective in January, 2009.
David Beckham remains under contract to the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer and will return to the club for training and the start of the 2009 MLS season.
AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy have additionally agreed to a technical partnership that will provide great benefit to the L.A. Galaxy.
history of AC Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan was founded December 16, 1899 by Alfred Edwards and Herbert Kilpin (from Nottingham, England) as the Milan Cricket and Football Club. Edwards, a former British vice-consul in Milan and well-known personality of the Milanese high society, was the club's first elected president. Initially the team included a cricket section, managed by Edward Berra, and a football section managed by David Allison.
The official colours chosen were red and black. Immediately the team gained relevant notability under Herbert Kilpin's guide. The first trophy to be won was the Medaglia del Re (King's Medal) on January 1900, and the team later won three national leagues, in 1901, 1906 and 1907. The triumph of 1901 was particularly relevant because it ended the consecutive series of wins of Genoa, which had been the only team to have won prior to 1901.
In 1908, issues over the signing of foreign players led to a split of the team's "progressive" faction, who formed F.C. Internazionale Milano.
In 1916, Milan won the Federal Cup, a national trophy which had replaced the Italian league, suspended because of World War I. This cup was never recognized as an Italian title.
In 1919, the team changed its name to Milan Football Club. After their first triumphs, Milan was unable to continue with their former high-level success, obtaining only a number of half-table placements, even if always playing in the top Italian division.
In 1938 the fascist regime imposed a new italianized name, Associazione Calcio Milano, for the team. However, that name was abandoned immediately after the World War II, but maintaining the initial part: the team was called Associazione Calcio Milan, which is the current official name.
[edit] 1950s
In the post-war period, AC Milan was among the three top Italian teams, and won the Scudetto in 1951 - the first time since 1907. Il Grande Milan included the famous Gre-No-Li, a trio of Swedish players composed by Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl and Nils Liedholm who were Olympic winners. That team also fielded quality players such as Lorenzo Buffon, Cesare Maldini and Carlo Annovazzi.
Perhaps the most resounding victory of this period was the 7-1 defeat of Juventus in Turin on February 5th 1950, with Gunnar Nordahl bagging a hat-trick.
After the 1951 Scudetto, AC Milan won another three Serie A seasons, in 1955, 1957 and 1959, and two Latin Cups, in 1951 and 1956. In the end, AC Milan always placed among the top three teams from 1947/1948 to 1956/1957.
[edit] 1960s: Nereo Rocco
AC Milan returned to win a football league in 1961/1962. Its manager was Nereo Rocco, an innovative football coach, known as inventor of the catenaccio tactic. The team included a young Gianni Rivera and José Altafini. The following season, thanks also to Altafini's goals, Milan won their first European Cup (later known as UEFA Champion League) by defeating Benfica 2-1. This was also the first time an Italian team won the European Cup.
Despite that, during the 1960s Milan won less trophies, mainly because of the heavy concurrence of Helenio Herrera's Inter. Its next Scudetto arrived only in 1967/1968, thanks to the goals of Pierino Prati, the Serie A topscorer in that season, as well as the Cup Winners' Cup, won against Hamburger SV thanks to the two goals of Kurt Hamrin. The next season AC Milan won its second European Cup (4-1 to AFC Ajax), and in 1969 won its first Intercontinental Cup, after having defeated Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina in two dramatic legs (3-0, 1-2).
[edit] The 10th scudetto and the first Serie B
In the 1970s, AC Milan won three Italian Cups and its second Cup Winners' Cup; however, the real goal of the Rossoneri was the tenth Scudetto, which would have awarded the first stella ("star") to the team. In 1972 they reached the semi-final of the UEFA Cup losing to eventual cup winners Tottenham Hotspur. A strong 1972/1973 season provided their first opportunity for the tenth Scudetto, but ultimately proved a failure after a humiliating defeat against Hellas Verona F.C. on the last day of the season.
AC Milan had to wait until 1978/1979 to win their tenth Scudetto, primarily being led by Gianni Rivera who retired from football after this final triumph.
However, the worst was yet to come for the Rossoneri: after the 1979/1980 season, AC Milan was relegated to Serie B by the Football Federation, together with S.S. Lazio, because of a betting scandal [1]. In 1980-81, Milan easily won the Serie B, and returned to Serie A, where it would suffer its worst season ever, in 1981/1982, being relegated once again.
[edit] Berlusconi presidency
[edit] Dream team
After several different financial troubles had caused bad times and a lack of success, AC Milan was bought on February 20, 1986 by Silvio Berlusconi, a Milanese enterpreneur. Berlusconi brought in a rising coach, Arrigo Sacchi, and three Dutch players, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit, to return the team to glory. He also signed some Italian stars: Roberto Donadoni, Carlo Ancelotti and Giovanni Galli.
Sacchi won the 1987-88 scudetto after a great recovery over Diego Maradona's S.S.C. Napoli. In 1988-1989, AC Milan won its third European Cup, defeating Steaua Bucuresti 4-0 in the final, and its second Intercontinental cup against National de Medellin (1-0, goal in the last minute of extra time). The team repeated their triumph the following season, against Benfica (1-0), and earned its second Intercontinental Cup in a row and third overall beating Olimpia Asunción in 1991. Their European winning line-up was: Giovanni Galli; Mauro Tassotti, Alessandro Costacurta, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini; Angelo Colombo, Frank Rijkaard, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Donadoni; Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten.
With Sacchi leaving Milan to coach the Italy national football team, Fabio Capello was hired and under him, the Rossoneri came to be known as Gli Invicibili ("The Invincibles") or the Dream Team. With an unprecedented 58-match run with no defeats the Invincibili team had the likes of Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Paolo Maldini commanding one of the best defences in history, with Marcel Desailly and Roberto Donadoni in midfield and Dejan Savićević, Zvonimir Boban, and Daniele Massaro playing in attack.
In addition to three consecutive scudetti (from 1992 to 1994, including the feat of not losing a single match in the 1991/1992 season), AC Milan reached the Champions League final for three consecutive years: in 1993 they were defeated by Olympique de Marseille; this match was disputed by a match-fixing scandal in the French league involving Marseille's then club president. In 1994 it was FC Barcelona who experienced the taste of defeat, after a famous 4-0 win at the hands of the Rossoneri; and in the 1995 finals, Milan were again defeated, this time by Ajax Amsterdam. Then, in 1995-96, led by famous world-class players such as Roberto Baggio, Marco Simone and George Weah, AC Milan gained their fifteenth Italian Championship. Milan's primary line-up under Capello (1996): Sebastiano Rossi; Christian Panucci, Alessandro Costacurta, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini; Roberto Donadoni, Demetrio Albertini, Marcel Desailly; Zvonimir Boban; George Weah, Roberto Baggio.
[edit] Tabarez to Terim
- 1996-1997
After the departure of Fabio Capello in 1996, Milan recruited Oscar Washington Tabarez but they struggled under the new manager and were winless in their first few opening matches. In an attempt to regain former glories they brought back Arrigo Sacchi to replace Tabarez. Milan signed new players like Ibrahim Ba, Christophe Dugarry and Edgar Davids. Milan struggled and shockingly ended the Season 1996-97 in eleventh place in Serie-A.
- 1997-1998
Sacchi was replaced with Capello in the following season. Capello's new Milan signed many potential players like Christian Ziege, Patrick Kluivert, Jesper Blomqvist, and Leonardo but the results were even worse than the season before. The team suffered their worst Serie-A defeat, humiliated by Juventus FC at their own home of San Siro with a 1-6 score, although they ended Season 1997-98 an improved tenth place. This was still unacceptable and Capello, like Sacchi, was fired.
- 1998-1999
In their search for a new manager, Alberto Zaccheroni attracted Milan's attention. Zaccheroni was the manager of Udinese who had ended the Season 1997-98 on a high note in 3rd place. Milan signed Zaccheroni along with two of his players at Udinese, Oliver Bierhoff and Thomas Helveg. Milan also signed Roberto Ayala, Luigi Sala and Andres Guglielminpietro and with a 3-4-3 formation, Zaccheroni brought the club's 16th Scudetto back to Milan. The winning line-up was: Christian Abbiati; Luigi Sala, Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini; Thomas Helveg, Demetrio Albertini, Massimo Ambrosini, Andres Guglielminpietro; Zvonimir Boban, George Weah, Oliver Bierhoff.
- 1999-2000
Despite success in the previous season, Zaccheroni failed to transform Milan to the great team it used to be. The following season, despite the emergence of Ukraine's great Andriy Shevchenko, Milan disappointed their fans in both the Champions League and Serie-A. Milan exited the Champions League early, only winning one out of six matches (three draws and two losses) and ended the Season 1999/00 in the 3rd place. Milan was never a challenge to the top two contenders to the Scudetto, S.S. Lazio and Juventus FC.
- 2000-2001
The following season, Milan qualified for the UEFA Champions League 2000-01 by defeating Dinamo Zagreb to a 6-1 aggreggate. Milan started the Champions League at a high note, defeating Beşiktaş J.K. from Turkey and Spanish giants FC Barcelona, who at the time consisted of international world-class superstars in Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert. But Milan's form began to seriously decline, drawing against a number of teams (which are seen as technically inferior to Milan), but mainly losing by a 3-0 scoreline to Juventus in the Serie-A and 1-0 to Leeds United. In the Champions League second round, Milan only won once and drew four times. They failed to beat Deportivo de La Coruña from Spain in the last game and Zaccheroni was fired. Cesare Maldini, the father of team captain Paolo, was appointed and things immediately got better. Maldini's official coaching debut at Milan started with a 4-0 win over A.S. Bari, who still had the young gun, Antonio Cassano. It was also under Maldini's leadership that Milan defeated their city rivals Internazionale with an outstanding score of 6-0, a score which has never been repeated and in which Serginho starred in the match. However, after this peak of form, Milan started losing again including a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Vicenza Calcio, with the only goal in the match scored by a young Luca Toni. In spite of these results, the Milan board of directors were adamant that Milan reach the fourth place in the league at the end of the season but Maldini failed and the team ended 6th.
- 2001-2002
Milan started their 2001-02 campaign by signing more star players including Javi Moreno and Cosmin Contra who took Deportivo Alavés to the final round of the UEFA Cup. They also signed Kakha Kaladze (from Dynamo Kyiv), Rui Costa (from AC Fiorentina), Filippo Inzaghi (from Juventus), Martin Laursen (from Hellas Verona), Jon Dahl Tomasson (from Feyenoord), Umit Davala (from Galatasaray) and Andrea Pirlo (from Inter Milan). Fatih Terim was appointed manager, replacing Cesare Maldini, and had moderate success. However, after five months in the club, Milan was nowhere near the top five in the league and Terim was sacked for failing to meet the board of directors' expectations. He was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, despite rumours that Franco Baresi would be the new manager. Despite the injury problems of full-back Paolo Maldini, Ancelotti was successful and ended the Season 2001-02 in fourth, earing a place in the Champions League. Milan's starting line at that point was Christian Abbiati; Cosmin Contra, Alessandro Costacurta, Martin Laursen, Kakha Kaladze; Gennaro Gattuso, Demetrio Albertini, Serginho; Manuel Rui Costa; Andriy Shevchenko, Filippo Inzaghi.
[edit] Right at the top: Ancelotti years
- 2002-2003 (3rd in Serie A, Champions of European Cup)
AC Milan ended the season with their sixth Champions League trophy in 2003. On route to the final in Manchester, England, Milan beat their cross city rivals Internazionale in the semi-finals and they ended the competition on a glorious note by beating their other Italian rival, Juventus, in a dramtatic penalty shoot-out. That same season, Milan placed third in Serie-A. They also won the Coppa Italia and European Super Cup. Champions League winning starting line-up was: Nelson Dida; Alessandro Costacurta, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze; Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Manuel Rui Costa; Andriy Shevchenko, Filippo Inzaghi. Then the following season, Milan signed Kaká. The team earned the nickname I Meravigliosi (The Amazing's).
- 2003-2004 (Champions in Serie-A, Quarter Finals in European Cup)
Milan set a points record to win the scuddetto with a team that is largely still in place today. An attack spearheaded by Shevchenko, playmaking by Kaká, and defence with Nesta and Maldini. Milan's season was not perfect as they were beaten by Deportivo La Coruna 0-4 in the quarter finals of the European Cup after winning 4-1 in the San Siro. Despite being Italian champions, Milan showed, as some critics said, weak midfield character that would repeat itself in the European Cup final in the following season. Nevertheless, the squad proved successful and able to express a brilliant style of play for many months.
- 2004-2005 (2nd in Serie A, 2nd in European Cup)
Hernán Crespo proved to be a solid signing. Massimo Ambrosini scored an incredible late goal against PSV Eindhoven. However, the season ended in disastrous defeat in Istanbul's Atatürk Stadium. In 2005, Milan let a 3-0 half time lead in their Champions League Final against Liverpool F.C. of England slip to a 3-3 draw. They conceded 3 second half goals in a span of 6 minutes, before losing on penalties. The nightmare of La Coruna was now replaced with a new nightmare of Istanbul. Milan ended the season being 2nd in the League and won the Italian Super Cup, defeating Lazio. 2004-2005 could be summed up as another solid season, but Liverpool won the European Cup and Juventus was the champion of Italy.
- 2005-2006 (3rd in Serie A, Semi Finals in European Cup)
Milan's Serie A campaign appeared to be one of their most successful in recent years. The team ended the season with a league high 28 wins, but could not edge Juventus in the standings thanks to their (at the time) record setting pace of 91 points. However all this success was nullified by the Calciopoli scandal. Milan were named in the Serie A scandal of 2006 and deprived of 44 out of the 88 points they gained in Serie A 2005-06. In addition, Milan would start their 2006-07 campaign with minus 15 points. Later, however, these point deductions were reduced, to 30 and minus 8 respectively, giving Milan the chance to compete in UEFA Champions League 2006-07.
Milan's efforts in the Champions League that year also proved close, but ultimately unsuccessful. After coming out on top of their group, Milan advanced to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League 2005–06, first defeating FC Bayern Munich of Germany on aggregate and then Olympique Lyonnais 3-1 on aggregate. Advancing to the semi-finals of the competition, they were defeated by eventual champion FC Barcelona of Spain 0-1 on aggregate, thus ending their Champion's League run for that season
- 2006-2007 (4th in Serie A, Champions of European Cup)
Milan's Serie A campaign began with the aforementioned -8 points penalty resulting from the Caliopoli Scandal. After a lackluster first half of the season which saw Milan hover at the center of the standings, several January transfers (including World Cup member Massimo Oddo, and Brazilian legend Ronaldo) reinvigorated the club. By the end of the campaign, Milan surged up the table to finish fourth, thus assuring their participation for the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League.
While their Serie A campaign proved moderately successful, the 2006-2007 season is best remembered for the team's performance in the Champion's League. The penalties imposed after the Calciopoli scandal resulted in Milan being seeded third in the final 2005-06 Serie A table. Thus the team was forced to play in the Champion's League Qualifers against former European champion Red Star Belgrade. Milan were victorius in the qualifier and advanced to the group phase which they would eventually win.
Milan survived a first round fight, defeating Celtic (eventual champions of the Scottish League) 1-0 on aggregate after an extra time goal by Kaká. Milan would go on to defeat European giant FC Bayern Munchen 4-2 on aggregate (2-2 at San Siro and 2-0 at Allianz Arena).
With the win over Bayern, Milan was propelled to the Champions League semi-finals. This marked the third consecutive and fourth time in five years that AC Milan has reached the final four of the competition. The first leg of the semi-final was played against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Manchester scored early on a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, but Milan answered back thanks to a brace from Kaká, taking a 1-2 lead at half time. Manchester United would ultimately prove victorious thanks to two 2nd half goals from striker Wayne Rooney. This match was regarded by the media and UEFA President Michel Platini as the greatest match in recent memories.[citation needed] The second leg of the Semi Final was played at San Siro on 2 May. Milan played a near perfect first half taking a 2-0 lead into halftime with goals from Kaká and Clarence Seedorf. A 78-minute goal by Alberto Gilardino sealed the victory for the home side.
Milan advanced to the UEFA Champions League final, pitting them in a rematch against their 2005 finals opponent Liverpool FC. The match was played at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, on 23 May 2007, with Milan prevailing 2-1 with both goals coming from Filippo Inzaghi. With the victory, the club affirmed its status as one of the powerhouses of European football, with three European Cup final appearances in five years, including two victories.
- 2007-2008 (5th in Serie A, Eliminated First Knockout Round in Europe)
Hot off the heels of winning their seventh Champions League title, Milan continued their international success by winning the 2007 UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla FC in a game marked with sadness over the recent on-field death of Sevilla player Antonio Puerta. Milan's Champions League success also made the club eligible to compete in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup where they would win their 18th officially recognized international trophy - tied for most club international trophies in the world. Ironically, Milan won their 18th title in a match against Boca Juniors, the team that also currently has 18 international titles.
However, these two trophies only served as consolation for a very disappointing season for Milan. The club had a slow start in Serie A, often finding it difficult to score after a pre-season injury to Ronaldo. This coupled with their aging backline and some deteriorating performances by Dida, found the club in mid table for much of the season. New signing Alexandre Pato was a bright light for an otherwise dark season for Milan. By the end of the Serie A campaign, AC Fiorentina edged Milan out for fourth place in the standings and thus Milan failed to qualify for the 2008-09 Champions League - their first failure since the 2001-02 season.
Milan's involvement in the 2007-08 edition of the UEFA Champions League was also forgettable. While the club won its group, they were quickly eliminated by a much younger opponent, Arsenal FC in the first knockout round. Prior to this season, Milan had made it to at least the quarterfinals of every Champions League going back to the 2002-03 edition.
- 2008-2009 (The Year With No Champions League)
After two poor domestic seasons that finally resulted in Milan missing out on the Champions League, Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani stated that the scudetto was Milans main priority. Before the start of the season Milan signed Ronaldinho, Gianluca Zambrotta, Marco Borriello and Mathieu Flamini, amongst others. They also signed Philippe Senderos and Andriy Shevchenko on loan. The season started poorly with losses to Genoa C.F.C. and Bologna F.C. 1909 and it was assumed Ancelotti might be sacked if he couldn't turn things around. However, Ancelotti saved his job and the team bounced back with wins over clubs including an in form S.S. Lazio and F.C. Internazionale Milano at home and Atalanta B.C. and Reggina Calcio away. Milan also won all three of their first UEFA Cup games for the season.
One of the highlights of the start of the 2008-09 campaign was Ronaldinho's headed goal off Kaka's assist in the Derby della Madonnina to secure Milan a 1-0 victory. It was Ronaldinho's first goal for Milan.
The team then continued on an impressive winning streak that now finds them sitting in first place in the Serie A table, after having defeated SSC Napoli on November 2nd, 2008.
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