UEFA Champions League, AC Milan Vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Pato On For Seedorf, Both Teams Go Close

Massimiliano Allegri has reacted to a mediocre first half performance by AC Milan by hauling off trequartista Clarance Seedorf and replacing him with young Brazilian Alexandre Pato. Seedorf was trying to operate in the space between Tottenham’s midfield and defensive line, but was being easily picked up by one of Spurs’ two holding players. Interestingly, this appears to be a purely personnel move rather than a tactical shift - Robinho has dropped back into the hole Seedorf left rather than playing on a flank, which would have asked Spurs more interesting questions.

However, Milan are indeed playing a little better with Pato in the game, and the home side have just recorded their best chance of the match - Mario Yepes very nearly put them in front with a fine header from a well-worked corner kick which was met with an equally fine save from Heurelhio Gomes, who clawed the ball over the bar. At the other end, Rafael van der Vaart’s cheeky lob was less than a foot from dropping into the net with Marco Amelia well beaten. Both teams have come very close to grabbing that crucial first goal in the opening stages of the half.