AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was ecstatic after his side crushed Manchester United 3-0 on Wednesday to qualify for their second UEFA Champions League final in three years. "It was an evening of dreams," Ancelotti was quoted as saying after the game. "The first half was the best performance since when I took charge of Milan, both from a defensive and an offensive point of view," he added. The Rossoneri, who lost the first-leg of the semi-final at Old Trafford 3-2, scored twice in the first half an hour, courtesy of brilliant strikes from Kaka and Clarence Seedorf. "We knew we were capable of playing a great match and that's what happened. The way we started, though, was most important. "It helped us come through a match that was very delicate and difficult," added the Italian tactician. United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, acknowledged Milan's superiority and the impact of their first half burst on the outcome of the game. "We didn't cope with the start. The pressure was on us and we needed to keep possession to keep the crowd quiet, but we had trouble doing that," said the Scotsman.
Ferguson "We lost two goals very cheaply, and you have to defend better in those situations. "Milan put up a fantastic performance and were much fresher than us. We needed to see through the first 25 minutes without cutting our throats." "They were sharper and quicker to the ball and I think they've been good winners. We were on the back foot all the time and found it difficult. Ferguson noted that other factors played in Milan's favor like experience and fitness. "If you look at AC Milan, the team has been together for many years and that is absolutely crucial at this level," said Ferguson. "They've also got a lot of experience in the competition. Just look at Seedorf, who has got three winners medals with three different clubs (Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan). "My team is completely lacking that experience and you only get that by keeping a team together." "Milan were better prepared physically," he said. "They've been resting players and that can make a difference." The Italian giants will take on Liverpool in Athens on May 23rd, in a repeat of the dramatic 2005 final that saw the Reds recover from a three-goal deficit and win the trophy in a shootout.
