Milan see off Ajax

Tomasson got the winning goal for Milan

San Siro photos

AC Milan 3-2 Ajax
(Milan win 3-2 on aggregate)

A goal from Jon Dahl Tomasson in injury time gave AC Milan a dramatic win over Ajax at the San Siro.

Ajax looked to be headed for the semi-final on away goals until the dying moments when Tomasson pounced.

Filippo Inzaghi had given Milan a lead in the 30th minute before Ajax substitute Jari Litmanen equalised midway through the second half.

Andriy Shevchenko put Milan back in front two minutes later but Steven Pienaar levelled things up 12 minutes from time.

But Tomasson had the last word and Milan go through to face their neighbours Inter in the last four.

SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP

Juventus v Real Madrid
6 & 14 May

AC Milan v Inter Milan
7 & 13 May

Deprived of almost all of their first-choice midfield Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to reshuffle his pack.

But they began brightly and almost took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Shevchenko's shot was charged down and the ball fell for Christian Brocchi, but his drive was saved by Ajax keeper Bogdan Lobont's outstretched hand.

KEY MOMENTS

30 mins: Inzaghi scores the opening goal

63 mins: Litmanen grabs an equaliser for the visitors

65 mins: Shevchenko puts Milan back in the driving seat

78 mins: Pienaar late goal looks to have sent Ajax through

90 mins: Tomasson sends the Milan fans crazy

Milan were not to be denied and went ahead on the half hour thanks to a rare Inzaghi header.

Shevchenko's deflected right-wing cross found his strike partner unmarked and he nodded past Lobont from close range for his 10th goal in this season's Champions League.

Ajax brought on Litmanen for the start of the second-half to freshen up their attacking options, but it was against the run of play that the Dutch side grabbed an all-important away goal.

Andy van der Meyde cut through the right side of Milan's defence and delivered a low cross for Litmanen who slid home from close range.

Ajax's joy was short-lived as Milan regained the lead when Inzaghi broke through two challenges before chipping the ball over Lobont for Shevchenko, who headed into an unguarded net.

We had the strength to fight until the end and we were rewarded for that

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti

Match reaction

Milan appeared to be in control until 12 minutes from time when Pienaar scored at the second attempt.

But with time running out Inzaghi lobbed Massimo Ambrosini's flick goalwards and Tomasson made sure from inches out to send the home fans into delirium.

Milan are joined in the semis by Inter and Juventus, making this season's competition the first in which there has been more than one Serie A side in the last four.

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AC Milan: Dida, Maldini, Kaladze (Rivaldo 80), Nesta, Simic (Tomasson 83), Costacurta, Rui Costa (Redondo 85), Ambrosini, Brocchi, Shevchenko, Inzaghi.
Subs not used: Abbiati, Helveg, Laursen, Dalla Bona.

Booked: Ambrosini, Costacurta.

Ajax: Lobont, Trabelsi, Chivu, Pasanen, O'Brien, Van Damme (Litmanen 46), Pienaar (De Jong 83), Sneijder, Yakubu, Van der Meyde (Bergdolmo 88), Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: Didulica, Witschge, Boukhari.

Booked: Pasanen.

Attendance: 76,079

Referee: Mejuto Gonzalez (Spain)