AC Milan Conquers Europe

It was the final of the 2002-2003 Champions League held yesterday at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Maybe, they knew each other too much. Juventus and AC Milan, after two hours of stalemate, ended up 0-0.

Even penalties struggled to separate the Serie A rivals on a night of high drama. Trezeguet first kicked for Juventus, and failed to score. On the other hand, AC Milan’s first kicker Serginho successfully shot the ball into the net.

Juventus made the second penalty shoot-out, but failed at third and fourth, while AC Milan made only the fourth successful. Juve’s last kicker Del Piero tied the penalty shoot-out 2-2 for Juve. But Shevchenko’s shot cut through the air into the net for AC Milan.

Last time in 1991, the penalty shoot-out determined the winner of the Champions League. Throughout history, it was the third time. AC Milan claimed their sixth European Cup triumph in nine years.

The victory was special for AC Milan’s player/manager Carlo Ancelotti. And it was the third victory for Seedorf, who experienced the same joy with Ajax Amsterdam (1995) and Real Madrid (1998).

63,000 fans packed the stand to watch the first final between two Italian teams. Knowing each other too much, either could not make out a decisive chance.

The introduction of Antonio Conte in the latter half almost paid instant dividends. His diving header within two minutes of coming on rattled the crossbar - and clearly rattled the opposition.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com