Round of 16
23 February 2005
20:45 (CET) Old Trafford - Manchester


Live match broadcaster


Famous names renew rivalry
Monday, 21 February 2005
Two sides that met in two European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals during the
1950s and 1960s will renew old rivalries this season, with Manchester United
FC seeking their first success against AC Milan in UEFA club competitions.

  

Sir Bobby Charlton will hope United get their hands on the Champions League
trophy this season


United had advanced to the last four of the 1957/58 European Cup 5-4 on
aggregate following an enthralling 3-3 draw against FK Crvena Zvezda in
Belgrade. Two goals from Bobby Charlton and another from Dennis Viollet sent
United into a three-goal lead after 30 minutes, although the home side hit
back through Bora Kosti? (two) and Lazar Tasi? to level on the hour mark.

However, the result was soon to pale into insignificance as on 6 February
1958 at 16:04CET after a scheduled refuelling stop in Munich, the plane in
which the United delegation were travelling experienced difficulties leaving
the runway at the third attempt en route to England.

Carrying 44 passengers from the match in Belgrade, the plane crashed, killing
23 people including eight players: Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Edward Colman,
Duncan Edwards (who died two weeks later from injuries sustained in the
crash), Mark Jones, David Pegg, Thomas Taylor and Liam Whelan.

The English club continued in the competition that season and courageously
won the home leg of their semi-final tie against Milan thanks to goals from
Viollet and Ernest Taylor after Juan Alberto Schiaffino had opened the
scoring for the Italian side. But Milan also made home advantage pay, winning
4-0 with Schiaffino scoring twice and Nils Liedholm and Giancarlo Davona once
each. The Rossoneri would lose the final 3-2 after extra time to Real Madrid
CF.

The sides crossed paths eleven years later when United, as holders, were
eliminated by Milan in the last four. Angelo Sormani and Kurt Hamrin scored
in a 2-0 success in Milan, meaning United would bow out as Charlton's
70th-minute goal would prove insufficient at Old Trafford. Milan then
defeated AFC Ajax 4-1 in the final.

United have entertained Italian opposition ten times, winning seven, drawing
twice and losing once. They have also visited Italy on ten occasions, winning
twice, drawing once and losing seven times. In nine matches at home to
English opposition, Milan have won five and drawn four. Although unbeaten at
home, Milan are yet to win in England as their record shows three draws and
six defeats from nine fixtures.


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