It’s a nightmare and crude reality for AC Milan after elimination of the UEFA Champions League. Here are the declarations of AC Milan Coach Clarence Seedorf after losing the Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, Spain: Atletico Madrid 4 – 1 AC Milan
AC Milan Coach CLARENCE SEEDORF “We’ve played some
big games in the last few weeks and we’ve nothing to show for it. That
kills the ability to react. There was no grit in the second half. Our
fans have definitely suffered for too long but I’m sure they have black
and red hearts and when someone falls, they have to get back up. The
players are working with commitment and they’re trying to get out of
this situation. From my part, from tomorrow, I’ll be working with
strength and enthusiasm to get their spirits back up as Parma will be
the first of 11 games from here to the end of the league and we’ll have
to do well to end the season the best we can. It’s over now and we have
to react. We have to look to the match against Parma and find the
strength to get back on our feet as life teaches us. I believe that we
tried to get the best out of ourselves in this match. We played a great
game against Atletico in the first leg and we knew it would be difficult
to come here but we had to play it. Now we have to play as well as we
can for the remaining 11 matches in the league and then start thinking
about next season. All players will be important from here to the end.
We need courage, strength to fight and we have to stick together to the
end”.
“In
the second half they created a lot and we didn’t react. They played
better, all credit to them and the best of luck for the rest of the
competition.
I didn’t see any problems between Balotelli and Pazzini,
I was focused on other aspects of the match. We have 11 matches left to
play in the league and Balotelli remains fundamental for us. When you
win, you win together and it’s the same when you lose. It0s not anyone
one single player’s fault.
Even if a single player doesn’t have the
best evening of his life, that doesn’t mean the team can’t do well all
the same. This evening, that’s the way it went. In the second half in
particular, we struggled a lot. The second goal killed our ability to
react. We fought, we tried but we couldn’t do it. We played some good
matches this month, but continually chasing the game, we ran out of
energy. Then we conceded one of those goals. Now we have to try and pull
the best out of ourselves. At this moment, the players couldn’t give
any more than they did, both physically and mentally.
I’m used to
getting back up when I fall. We lost a game against a big team that
deserved to win. From tomorrow though, myself and the players will be
right back to work trying to do better and to grow”.
It’s a crucial game. AC Milan failing the challenge, the great mission to defeat Atletico de Madrid to qualify for the Champions League Quarterfinals and now are eliminated. A sold out at the Vicente Calderon Stadium reporting about 53,000 attendance. It was an uphill battle because Milan lost the Round of 16 First Leg in San Siro: AC Milan 0 – 1 Atletico de Madrid, Wednesday 19 February 2014. Simply put, Atletico Madrid writing history and scoring an aggregate result of 5-1.
Action during the game…….
Players warming up…… closeup now for players making their way to the pitch while my heart is beating faster and faster…. surely, I am rooting for AC Milan!
No way! I am just fainting… This is not possible. Atletico de Madrid opening the score in the 3rd minute!!!! A nightmare!!! An assist by midfielder Koke to forward Diego Costa defeating AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati with a left footed shot in the bottom left corner. Mamma mia! Abbiati cannot believe it and just look at the ball to send it back. Costa running to celebrate while players hugging each other and I am just crying! Forza Milan, come on!
Referee Mark Clattenburg gives the first yellow card of the match in the 4th minute to Atletico de Madrid forward Raul Garcia for a foul on AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli.
In the 7th minute a yellow card to AC Milan defender Adil Rami for a foul on Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa.
YES!!!! Siam venuti fin qua per vedere segnare Kaka’ ohhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Guys, Kaka’ equalizing the score in the 27th minute!!! The action started by AC Milan midfielder Andrea Poli from the right to send the assist…. Kaka’ running so fast to reach the ball while Atletico Madrid defender Francisco attempts to clear. Yet, nothing to do as Kaka’ running faster and there you go the headed goal defeating Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Kaka’ almost falling, but immediately lifting his eyes to the sky to thank the Lord!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOO Not again! Come on!!!! A right footed goal by midfielder Arda Turan in the 40th minute defeating goalkeeper Abbiati in the bottom right corner!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The assist by Raul Garcia…
Hello!!! In the 44th minute, Arda almost scoring!! An assist by Koke to Turan smacking a left footed shot this time saved by Abbiati in the center!
First half ending 44% ball possession Atletico de Madrid and 56% ball possession AC Milan
Second half starting with AC Milan making the first substitution in the 45th minute.
Forward Robinho replacing midfielder Adel Taarabt. Clearly, Seedorf wanting to reinforce the attack.. let’s hope for the goals to come!
Time running by…. only 30 more minutes!
In the 63rd minute, Abbiati saving the headed shot by Mirande in the center!…. Milan cannot allow more goals!
AC Milan making a substitution in the 69th minute. Forward Giampaolo Pazzini replacing midfielder Michael Essien.
No wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!! Chaos!!!!!! Atletico Madrid scoring in the 71st minute with Raul Garcia jumping high enough for the headed goal despite the stretch by goalkeeper Abbiati in the bottom left corner. The long right footed assist made by Koke …. what a night!
Atletico Madrid making a substitution in the 72nd minute replacing forward Raul Garcia with midfielder Jose Sosa. Garcia leaving the pitch among the applause of the fans…..
Say no more!!! AC Milan are just eliminated …. Atletico de Madrid scoring the 4th goal of the match in the 85th minute with Diego Costa being the verdugo for the Rossoneri. Curtain call….. a sad day for AC Milan and Italian football fans…..
Here is ATLETICO DE MADRID official starting lineup by coach Diego Simeone:
Atlético Madrid (4-4-1-1): Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe Luís; Arda Turan, Gabi, Mario Suárez, Koke; Raúl García, Diego Costa.
Here is AC MILAN official starting lineup by coach Clarence Seedorf:
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Bonera, Emanuelson; Essien, De Jong; Taarabt, Poli, Kaká; Balotelli.
Top scorers for Atletico Madrid: Diego Costa with 5 goals
AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli with 2 goals
Here is the video of Kaka’ scoring in the 27th
minute!!! The action started by AC Milan midfielder Andrea Poli from
the right to send the assist…. Kaka’ running so fast to reach the ball
while Atletico Madrid defender Francisco attempts to clear. Yet,
nothing to do as Kaka’ running faster and there you go the headed goal
defeating Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Kaka’ almost
falling, but immediately lifting his eyes to the sky to thank the Lord!!
2013 – 2014 UEFA Champions League
Champions League Round of 16
Second Leg
Atletico Madrid – AC Milan
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Vicente Calderon Stadium
Madrid, Spain
20:45
Here are the declarations of AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf during the press conference ahead of the Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg, game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, Spain at 20:45.
AC Milan will have to play hard to win the game to overcome the 0-1 in the First Leg: AC Milan 0 – 1 Atletico de Madrid, Wednesday 19 February 2014
COACH CLARENCE SEEDORF
The first questions were about the match with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday: “I’ve
often been in a situation in which we’re not the favourites, even in
years in which we achieved important things. The favourite was and is
Atletico Madrid. I think the two sides will play in a similar manner to
the first-leg. They have a narrow advantage, the game is open and I’m
expecting changes with regards to the first-leg. Atletico Madrid are a
team in the true sense of the word. They know what they want and they
have quality. They may not have great champions, but they have two or
three world-class players and a good level throughout the side. This
makes the difference out on the pitch. Atletico have been playing well
for years. They know each other well and we respect their strong points.
We want to limit them to give us opportunities.”
Can history play a part in the match? This is what Seedorf had to say:
“Every match has its own history. In the Champions League there is a
lot of history and it’s very different to the other competitions. We’re
ready for a tough battle. We respect our opponents and we’re ready to
take to the pitch. I see good signs from my team, they’re motivated and
happy to play in these type of matches. When you lose a league game like
we did, the chance to play soon after in the Champions League takes
away pressure and provides you with a chance to write history. This club
has an important history and we’ll try and honour that. They are good
memories those from Munich. Milan’s history speaks for itself, the
players are aware of this. In Italy and in Europe. History teaches us
many things. In 2007 in a difficult time we found the energy from
nowhere with some important performances. I’ve got this in mind and I
have to be confident, brave and optimistic. I need to pass on the idea
of battling as a group. We have to play with heart. Aspects which are
more important than the technical and tactical side of the game. The
rest comes as a consequence.”
The team has to give a top performance tomorrow to qualify for the quarter-finals:
“Tomorrow we have to score the necessary goals to qualify. It’s 11 v
11. We’ll see who ends up as winners. The first match gave us an idea
about our chances. We know it’s difficult, but we have to go beyond our
limits.”
The refereeing standards and what is allowed in the Champions League is different to the Italian Serie A:
“I don’t know what to expect in terms of aggressiveness. It depends on
the referee’s judgement. I hope I don’t see some of the things that I
saw in the Madrid derby 2 weeks ago. Football in general is better than
what I saw in that match.”
An attacking Milan side tomorrow? Coach Seedorf calls for calm:
“You need to have balance in these occasions. Clearly we’ll play
differently compared to the start of the championship. It’s difficult to
score a goal and then close up and hold on for a win at this level.
Tomorrow certainly won’t be like this.”
There was a thought towards the future:
“First of all Milan share my project. I’m trying to take it forward on a
technical level, with enthusiasm and towards a brilliant future. This
doesn’t depend on this match that comes at a difficult time. We have to
go through it all with serenity. There will be many new experiences for
me tomorrow. I want to build with the squad the basis for the future.
Tomorrow is an important opportunity. There could be incidents along the
way, but the squad is determined and they’ve reacted thanks to the
Champions League. It’s a special moment.”
Focus on the individuals of Diego Costa, David Villa and Balotelli: “I
believe that Diego Costa is an important player, just like Balotelli,
but so are the other players. It’s clear that he’s a fantastic player,
but the group plays well as a whole and they’re all to be kept an eye
on. Villa is now available and we’ll have to be aware of his threat.”
Seedorf also spoke about Poli and Kakà:
“Poli is fine. In terms of tactics, we’ve already played offensively
with him on the pitch. We’ll play in a similar manner, with lots of
respect for Atletico Madrid’s strong points and taking advantage of our
potential. There are 90 minutes to score a goal and maybe even two. Kakà
brings with him experience and he’s a part of Champions League history
but I haven’t got different expectations from him compared to the other
players. Anyone can make the difference. He doesn’t have to have this
responsibility on his shoulders. He’s always had the support of the team
and for this reason he’s been decisive.”
Click the video to watch the declarations from AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf during the press conference on Monday 10 March 2014 ahead of the UEFA Champions League Second Leg against Atletico de Madrid
2013 – 2014 UEFA Champions League
Champions League Round of 16
Second Leg
Atletico Madrid – AC Milan
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Vicente Calderon Stadium
Madrid, Spain
20:45
Here are the head to head stats for Atletico de Madrid vs AC Milan presented by uefa.com Stats are before the Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg to be played on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid, Spain at 20:45
By Anna Italia 
@ItalianSerieA 
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What do you think of the results? Which players surprised you or disappointed you and why? 
