AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United

[Beckham lining up and greeting old friends]

It's only the last 16, but the two big names playing each other make it more worthy of a semi-final encounter. However, all the talk about this fixture is about David Beckham. The former Red Devil #7 is facing his old club for the first time, 7 years after his departure. Now wearing #32 of the black-red striped jersey, Becks starts for AC Milan.

Manchester United had the worst possible start: conceding an early goal, away from home, in a Champions League match. Ronaldinho's strike was heavily deflected and went in behind Edwin van der Sar in the third minute, after a half-cleared Beckham freekick. United's sloppy midfield plays led to several great chances for the home team; fortunately, it didn't cost them too much. Paul Scholes was equally lucky when Darren Fletcher's cross hits his leg and curled into the far post, out of the reach of Dida, in the 36th minute. Manchester United started to control more possession and creating chances. But there were no more goals in scored in the first half.

[Rooney ups his tally to 25, the most he's had in one season]

The second half began as the first half did, with the home team pressuring United's defense. But once United got their rhythm in the game, they start to control possession again. This time, without the sloppy unforced errors. Just two minutes after Antonio Valencia replaced Nani on the right wing, United took the lead. Wayne Rooney who has been frustrated by Nani's deliveries–or lack thereof–was gifted with a beautiful cross to the far post by Valencia, and Rooney headed the ball to the far corner of the goal, leaving Dida with no chances. Less than 10 minutes later, Rooney scored his 25th goal of the season (in his 50th Champions League game). Darren Fletcher was given a lot of time on the ball, and curled the ball behind the defenders where Rooney had gone unnoticed. He was given a free header and he does not miss easy chances like that! United were 3-1 up and cruising to victory.

However, a lack of concentration enables Milan to get back into the game through substitute Clarence Seedorf, with only 5 minutes remaining. After United's clear dominance, the goal boosted up Milan's confidence and they were looking for an equalizer. It seems that the goal came in too late, and United hang on to their lead until the final whistle. The 2nd leg will be played at Old Trafford in 3 weeks time. The return of David Beckham to The Theater of Dreams. With a win and 3 away goals, United is almost a sure bet to go through the quarter finals.

click here for full match report.

IMO, the upper hand that we had against Milan was that our players were determined. Milan's players, when they lose the ball, do not track back and try to win it back. We, on the other hand, have players like Park, Rooney, Fletcher, who never stops running and try to get the ball no matter which side of the pitch they were on. Even Scholes was running way more than the Milan players! Hopefully that doesn't stop in the 2nd leg.

I have to say, seeing Becks playing against United was surreal. I found myself supporting him even though I don't want his team to score. He's as hot as ever and his crosses/free-kicks are still as amazing as always. For some reason I want him to score at Old Trafford on March 10th, but hopefully by that time (or by the end of the match), United had scored more! Would still love to see you back wearing our red jersey, Becks!