UEFA Champions League 2014, Atletico Madrid vs. AC Milan: Rossoneri blown apart

With Milan full of confidence, Atléti were back on their heels and nearly conceded an equalizer in 36th minute when Kaká just missed on a header, sending it over the crossbar.

Gabi came ever so close early in the second half to extending the lead yet again, but his shot hit off the post, keeping Milan’s slim hopes alive.

Physical headers can be gorgeous, if you’re into that kind of thing. There’s some excellent effort in this goal.

And with that, we’ll see Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals.

Atletico Madrid looked to be in some trouble after allowing AC Milan to score and match them for away goals, but the Rojiblancos are in good shape again, thanks to Arda Turan. He put Atleti up 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate with this somewhat lucky stunner.

The looping action is great, and not quite intended, given the big deflection. Turan didn’t exactly run off to celebrate right away and could hardly believe it when his shot dropped perfectly into the back of the net.

Strangely, he scored with his head. Yes, Kaka scored a header. He’s been mostly a wide forward since coming back to Milan.

The cross, delivered by Andrea Poli, was an excellent one. Now Milan, who were looking dead in the water, will be going through with one more goal.

Diego Costa, take it away.

Milan have some solid attacking players, but it’s tough to see them racking up huge goal numbers based on what they’ve done this season. They now have to score twice against a very good defensive team. Good luck!

Diego Simeone’s side is busy on two fronts as they chase Champions League glory and a possible league title. Atléti looked a bit shaky over the weekend, needing two second half goals to overcome Celta Vigo. Diego Costa sat out of the match serving a yellow card ban so he’ll be rested and ready for Milan.

Clarence Seedorf’s time withe Milan has been challenging as the Rossoneri remain stuck in the Serie A mid-table. Getting knocked out of the Coppa Italia didn’t help matter either but a comeback against Atléti would be a massive boost. Milan have lost their last two matches against Juventus and Udinese, failing to score a goal in either match.

Yes, Milan has enough talent to make this fun, but why would anyone expect it to? This is a horrible matchup for the Rossoneri.

AC Milan 0-1 Atletico Madrid. It looked like Milan was going to squeak out a draw until Diego Costa’s header went in.