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Today, all football fans in Europe will be glued to their television screens watching the broadcast of the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between AC Milan and PSV Eindhoven. Although the Italian superclub is considered the clear favorite in this matchup, it would be unwise to underestimate the newly crowned champions from the Netherlands.
Impressive facts include that AC Milan has been scoring an average of two goals per match this season, and they have won all five Champions League matches played at home so far. In those five home matches, they have only conceded one goal. Additionally, Milan would like to extend their current streak of six consecutive "clean sheet" games. Without a doubt, their 3-0 victory against UEFA Cup semi-finalists Parma in Serie A has certainly boosted the morale of the Milan superclub.
Milan will undoubtedly be hoping that defenders Jaap Stam and leader Andrea Pirlo will be able to play today. Considering that defender Alessandro Nesta is suspended, losing Stam would be a severe blow to Milan's defense. The good news for Milan fans is that midfield enforcer Gennaro Gattuso will return after his suspension.
Milan is actively competing with Juventus for the title in Serie A, while PSV has allowed their key players some rest in their recent matches, but still managed to defeat Vitesse 3-0 to secure the league title. Another encouraging fact for PSV is that in away matches in the Dutch league this season, the club has not been defeated and has scored 37 goals while conceding only eight in 15 matches. Moreover, PSV has scored at least one goal in their last 24 away matches.
In today's match, Milan will have to watch out for defender Massimo Ambrosini, while PSV will need to be cautious with defender Ooijer and midfielders Mark van Bommel and Johann Vogel. All these players, if they receive a yellow card in today's clash, will be forced to miss the return leg in Eindhoven.
