AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo

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AC Milan plundered four goals in a remarkable eight-minute spell to close in on the Champions League semi-finals.

Walter Pandiani's bullet header gave Deportivo a shock lead but Kaka levelled it on the stroke of half-time.

Seconds after the interval, Milan led through Andriy Shevchenko's superb run and shot before Kaka's curling finish put the hosts in control.

Andrea Pirlo's free-kick completed the flurry of goals and left shell-shocked Deportivo with a mountain to climb.

There was no hint of the drama to come as both sides began cagily, but Deportivo set the game alight with a goal after 11 minutes.

From a short corner, Pandiani was the only one to react to Joan Capdevila's cross, crashing a header past Dida as Milan's defence stood still.

Spurred into action, Milan should have equalised five minutes later when Kaka side-footed wide from close range after Cafu's cross.

With Milan beginning to impose themselves on the match, Kaka spurned two further chances, the Brazilian twice shooting straight at keeper Jose Molina when well-placed.

KEY MOMENTS 11 mins: Pandiani gives Deportivo the lead 45 mins: Kaka makes it 1-1 46 mins: Shevchenko's run and shot gives Milan the lead 49 mins: Kaka's second puts Milan in control 53 mins: Pirla's free-kick completes the rout

But the 21-year-old made amends in fine style moments before the end of an enthralling first half.

Cafu found his fellow Brazilian in space in the box, and Kaka controlled the ball perfectly before smashing a volley into the bottom right-hand corner.

With Milan rampant, Deportivo might have been relieved to hear the half-time whistle but the onslaught only intensified after the interval, with three goals in six minutes.

First, Shevchenko put a quiet first half behind him with a stunning goal.

The Ukrainian jinked his way through the Deportivo defence before unleashing a low shot past Molina.

And two minutes later, Milan took complete control with a second from Kaka.

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Mauro Silva was caught in possession by Clarence Seedorf, who threaded the ball through for Kaka to curl a magnificent shot into the corner.

The Rossoneri inside the San Siro stadium erupted into full voice, with Deportivo struggling to contain the wave of attacks and Milan quickly put paid to any thoughts of sitting back and protecting their lead.

Silva's desperate tackle on Shevchenko gave Milan a free-kick, and Pirlo's dipping effort beat a despairing Molina.

As Milan inevitably eased up, Deportivo might have stolen a precious second away goal.

Pandiani again stole in between the Milan defence but his header went straight into Dida's grateful arms to leave Deportivo needing a miracle in the second leg.

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AC Milan: Dida, Cafu, Costacurta, Maldini, Pancaro (Serginho 72), Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka, Shevchenko (Tomasson 84), Inzaghi (Ambrosini 79).
Subs Not Used: Abbiati, Rui Costa, Laursen, Pedrocchi.

Booked: Costacurta.

Deportivo: Molina, Naybet, Andrade, Capdevila, Mauro Silva, Sergio (Manuel Pablo 81), Scaloni, Valeron, Duscher (Fran 66), Pandiani, Luque (Tristan 82).
Subs Not Used: Munua, Cesar, Romero, Djalminha.

Booked: Scaloni.

Attendance: 60,335.

Referee: Valentin Ivanov (Russia).