Milan vs. Celtic: 5 Things We Learned
Milan triumphed with a 3-0 victory in a pivotal away match against Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The precious three points picked up from this game ensure that the Rossoneri's fate in the competition rests in their hands. They have a one-point lead over third-placed Ajax, whom they'll face in the last match of the group stages.
Goals from Kaka, Mario Balotelli and Cristian Zapata sealed Celtic's fate and knocked them out of the competition. Interestingly enough, two of Milan's goals came from a corner kick. When was the last time you can remember that happening?
Without further ado, let's take a look at five things we learned from this Champions League fixture.
Milan Have Champions League in Their DNA
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Despite their atrocious domestic form, Milan continued on a positive note in the Champions League, as they are currently in second place behind only the giants of Barcelona.
Pleased with the result, Adriano Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport reporters after the match that Milan truly have this competition in their DNA.
It's no surprise that the team has won seven Champions League trophies. Although they are unlikely to add to that tally anytime soon, you can expect them to give a valiant display, especially since a European place isn't guaranteed next season.
Kaka Continues to Impress
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Kaka's speed had appeared to be gone after Real Madrid relegated him to the bench for four seasons. Often injured, he had seemed to have lost the defining characteristic that set him apart from other footballers: his searing pace with the ball at his feet.
Against Celtic, he scored a header from a corner kick and went on a few signature darting runs, where he effortlessly breezed past onrushing defenders.
At 31 years old, Kaka has seemingly entered a rejuvenation machine since joining Milan this summer. With him in the lineup, Milan have a much-needed player who can bring the necessary experience to thrive in crucial moments.
The Match Versus Ajax Will Be the Most Important of the Season
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Milan's final group stage match against Ajax on December 11, 2013 will be the most important they'll play all season.
With Milan needing a tie or a win to advance to the next round, expect a sold-out San Siro to be filled with fans desperately wanting something to stay positive about. Trying to ignore the depressing Serie A form, it would be an interesting parallel to see how the Rossoneri perform against some of Europe's finest teams.
That being said, their ticket to the next round is based upon a positive result against an Ajax side that just beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
Celtic Fans Were Wonderful
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Celtic Park in Glasgow once again became the center for a magnificent Champions League night. The atmosphere around the sold-out stadium in Scotland was electrifying until the final whistle.
Despite their team being down and virtually knocked out of the group stages, the rabid fans continued singing and cheering their Bhoys for a full 90 minutes.
It was a pleasant sight for an Italian fan like me, who is used to supporters turning quickly on their team if the result isn't to their liking.
Milan Fans Deserved This Victory
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Domestically, Milan sit four points above the relegation zone. However, the plot takes a much different turn in Europe, where another convincing performance means that fans of this once proud team have something to smile about.
More than anything, the looming fact that access to next year's Champions League is virtually unattainable adds to the mystique of these final Milan matches in Europe. Unless another near-historic comeback is in the cards after Christmas, don't be surprised if Milan fail to make it into the top five in Serie A.
Fans have needed a night like this one, when they could be proud of their beloved Rossoneri again.
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