Relief! Ronaldinho after converting the penalty.

Heading into the match against the Swiss and the task was to win in order to ensure qualification. To say that we got the job done is a stretch, if only a small one, for we drew instead of winning. Even though it would have taken almost a miracle for Marseille to beat Real by three goals, the fact that we have had to rely on other results to ensure our qualification is disappointing. We really have Real Madrid, and for that matter, Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for his masterclass in Marseille that all but ended French hopes.

Our performance against the Swiss was a stark contrast to the side that completely obliterated Samp just a few days ago. We struggled to break down Zurich, we failed to hold possession and we were forced into many unforced errors as the young Swiss side put our players under constant pressure. The reason why we struggled so much in Zurich was because we failed to dominate the midfield. Ambrosini, our usually reliable midfield enforcer and ball fetcher, failed to impose himself on the match. Despite all his experience, it was the young Swiss midfield that took control of the middle the park.

With Ambrosini surprisingly ineffective, and hence his withdrawal early in the second half, there was not much hope for Milan in gaining control of midfield for with Pirlo and Seedorf playing alongside our captain there was no one who could wrestle back control. Once again the imbalance we have in midfield, mainly due to Pirlo’s inclusion, was highlighted. Pirlo’s lack of defensive capabilities is a real hindrance and though he is ever so valuable offensively, unless we can actually get the ball, such talents are useless. Against Samp, Pirlo was fantastic for as I mentioned in my review, Samp gifted midfield to Milan. But against the young and talented players of Zurich who were tenacious, energetic and fast, we could not gain control of midfield and for this we struggled to take control of the match.

Leo must try and remedy this situation, perhaps try playing with two defensive midfielders (Flamini and Ambrosini) alongside Pirlo and sacrificing Seedorf. For as the Catania match showed, we really need Pirlo’s offensive abilities in our midfield otherwise we will struggle to make it into the attacking third. And though Seedorf has impresssed the season, scoring a number of important goals and providing some crucial assists, this is a change that may just be needed in order to establish a more balanced midfield without losing the capacity to attack.

Once again I was impressed with the performance of Antonini. Again, the Italian barely put a foot wrong all match and ran his heart out down the left flank. It is amazing to think that this player has for so long been a peripheral figure in the side. I was also happy with Abate’s contribution down the right flank. Though he may not be great defensively, he has great potential offensively. Against Zurich it was a real pleasure to see our full backs darting up and down the flanks, providing support to Pato and Ronaldinho, whipping in crosses, then only to chase back when possession was lost.

Indeed, with the stellar performances of Abate, the recent good form of Antonini and even the improved form of the veteran Zambrotta, this area of the park is becoming less of a problem than what is was earlier in the season. Now, our main problem is our imbalance in midfield.

Up front and it has to be said that Ronaldinho looked a little of the pace. But, this we should come to expect against young and talented opposition. In fact, many of our olders players across the park struggled because of this same reason which highlights our lack of youth in the side.

Borriello was unable to continue his good form, but even I will jump to the Italian’s defence for strikers rely on quality service which against Zurich was lacking. He did, however, miss at least one great chance in the second half bnut ultimately Borriello’s contribution was critical as he claimed the penalty that enabled us to draw level. I still would have liked to see Huntelaar get some playing time. It is becoming increasingly evident that Leo may have just given up on the Dutchman already for despite his heroics in Sicily, KJH has failed to see any more playing time.

The match against Zurich was a case in point that against well organised, fast and tenacious sides we will most likely struggle this season. Such a disposition will not be greatly punished in Serie A though, as the football is slow and more tactical. But in the UCL, such a disposition can and will be greatly punished especailly against English sides.

For now though, let us just be grateful that we have qualified for the knockout stages. For this was the objective and we have achieved it without too much trouble. The focus now turns to the Serie A with a number of important ties ahead in the next few weeks starting with match against Palermo on the weekend.