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MANCHESTER Feb 24, (Reuters): AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo pounced with a late goal to earn his side a 1-0 win at Manchester United in an absorbing Champions League first knockout round first-leg match.
The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw with 12 minutes remaining when United goalkeeper Roy Carroll failed to deal with a routine shot by Clarence Seedorf.
Crespo capitalised, striking from close range to give the Italian champions a clear advantage going into the second leg in two weeks.
"I felt we played well," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. "We are pleased with the victory but we know we have only done half the job and the second half will be very difficult as well."
Milan's first European victory against a club in England was also United's first home defeat in 21 Champions League matches, going back to October 2001 against Deportivo Coruna.
A largely tense and tactical battle Wednesday had started brightly, with England midfielder Paul Scholes firing wide for United and Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa for Milan in the first three minutes.
Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf skimmed the home side's crossbar with a rasping 25-metre free kick and Scholes blazed an excellent chance wide after good work by Quinton Fortune.
Milan, missing their leading striker Andriy Shevchenko through injury, dominated possession in the early exchanges, frustrating United with slick passing in the packed midfield areas.
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