SuperPippo does it again

In a rain drenched evening in Marseille, Milan once again showed their European pedigree by claiming a vital win to start their 2009-10 Champions League campaign. And once again it was SuperPippo who proved the difference for Milan with the ever-green veteran striker claiming a brace. Leo’s decision to bench Ronaldinho with Seedorf playing in the hole proved a masterstroke as it was the Dutchman that set up Inzaghi for both Milan’s goals At the age of 36, SuperPippo is a truly remarkable talent as he continues to add to his already impressive goal scoring record. Milan may have not been the dominate force throughout the game, however, the side did enough in the end as the side once again showed that they are made for the Champions League.

Neither team really dominated the opening exchanges but Milan looked a more settled and comfortable team than the one that started against Livorno.

Milan’s first chance fell to Inzaghi as Pirlo delivered in a free kick however SuperPippo was unable to connect. Inzaghi had another chance following some good work between Oddo and Flamini but his shot failed to trouble Marseille keeper Mandanda.

Pato then hit the side netting before Milan opened the scoring on 28 minutes.

GOAL It was Pato who layed the ball off to Seedorf down the left side of the area before the Dutchman found enough space to chip in a cross to the far post and who else but Inzaghi was there to slot the ball home.

After the goal Milan were comfortable as they once displayed how at home they are in the Champions League. Marseille did add pressure to the Milan defence as the half drew to close but Milan held out to go into the break one nil up.

Second half

Marseille started the better of the two sides as they came out in the second half looking for an equaliser.

GOAL Marseille did claim an equaliser shortly after the restart when Heinze rose up above Oddo to head home a Bruno Cheyrou free kick.

Marseille continued to create the better chances as Milan struggled to retain possession. With both teams fighting hard there were some rather dangerous tackles being committed.

Indeed, Flamini was lucky to stay on the pitch following a crude two-footed challenge on M’Bia.

Lucho came close to giving Marseille the lead but the Milan defence held firm with Storari in particular having another good game.

GOAL Perhaps it was against the run of play but Milan took the lead again in the 72 minute as Seedorf played an inviting cross into the area and SuperPippo was there to stab the ball home again.

Marseille were again looking for an equaliser as Huntelaar and Abate were introduced in the latter stages of the match. However Milan held on to claim the victory.

SuperPippo now has a total of 68 goals in all European competitions and with Raul only scoring once for Real in their opening match he currently stands as the highest all time scorer. Inzaghi continues to defy the odds and truly is one of the greatest goalscorers of all time.

Leo must also be commended. A rain drenched evening and with a hostile crowd the atmosphere inside the Stade Velodrome was anything but welcoming. It was a tough first test for our new coach in the Champions League. But Leo engineered a Milan win after making a couple of bold decisions before the match in benching Ronaldinho and starting the veteran Inzaghi instead of Huntelaar. What a masterstroke it proved to be as it was Seedorf with the two assists and SuperPippo with the brace.