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Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his players for their "perfect defense". His team defeated "Manchester United" for the second time in two weeks with a score of 1-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Just like in the first match, Hernan Crespo brought success to AC Milan with a goal in the second half. As in the first leg at Old Trafford stadium, the Italian team's defensive line showed excellent neutralization of their opponents' efforts.
"Our work in defense was flawless," Ancelotti said. "Except for the moment when Ryan Giggs hit the crossbar, we didn't have any problems in defense. It was truly a great performance. We played well in two tough matches."
"The difference in skill between these two teams was very small," he added. "As expected when two teams from the elite of European football play. What truly pleases me is that we were able to play these two matches the way we wanted. It shows that we know our strengths and can play to exploit them."
However, AC Milan's coach admitted that "United" could have punished his team when they managed to break through Alessandro Nesta's defense in a few moments.
"United attacked us and left their defense open enough," Ancelotti said. "They were strong, aggressive, although the endings of their attacks could have been more precise. They could really have gotten more from the chances they had."
Manchester club's coach Sir Alex Ferguson believes that AC Milan can win their seventh European trophy. He was impressed by the Italian club's attitude.
"They have something special," the Scotsman said. "We play with many European teams on their own grounds, and then we have to deal with playacting, with a lot of mistakes, but Milan played like true professionals. With such professionalism and honorable play, they can win this competition."
Although Ancelotti thanked the whole team as a unit for the victory, his opponent once again showed his sympathies for the tireless and fast Brazilian right-back Cafu and the legendary 36-year-old Italian defender.
"If Maldini plays for another five years, then I will resign," Ferguson joked. "As for Cafu, I think he has two hearts."
