Before the match, Ferguson gave a rare direct comment:
"Italians are not trustworthy. They will do anything to win. I don't believe any Italian media—like when they say Maldini is injured but he might appear on the pitch tonight."
"If you gave me two bullets, I'd use the first to take out Suker. Why two? Because I'm not sure I'd hit him the first time—he's damn fast!"
"My only demand to the Manchester lads is this: Don't lose! Don't f***ing lose!"
Ferguson's fiery temper showed.The nickname "Man United Hairdryer" wasn't for nothing.
By making such statements, Ferguson aimed to shoulder the pressure himself, divert media scrutiny from the players and ease their minds.
This tactic was borrowed from Mourinho, the Portuguese coach many hated but had to admit was clever.
Provoking opponents before matches to mess with their mindset—Mourinho did this well.
Suker saw this interview too. Though knowing Ferguson was just stirring hate, he was still annoyed.
"Two bullets to take me out? I'll score two goals on you!" Suker scoffed.
"Maldini said Ferguson's provocation means Manchester sees you as a big threat. It's a twisted kind of compliment," Maldini said.
"So, I better 'repay' that old man properly!" Suker held up three fingers. "Ate three sausages this morning—that means a hat trick!"
Maldini rolled his eyes.As if scoring goals was that easy.
But given Suker's current form, with good supply from midfield, a hat trick wasn't impossible.
For AC Milan, the biggest problem was still defense.
Maldini was out injured; Kaladze would partner Nesta at center back.
Cafu was getting old, no longer as effective.
Jankulovski had improved but still wasn't at the level of a traditional Milan left back.
So Milan had to rely on their attack: Suker and Kaká to press forward and break through.
They also had to withstand the pressure.
"Pirlo! This match depends on you!" Suker pointed to himself."Feed me passes, any kind you want. Just get me close to their goal and I'll do the rest."
Pirlo nodded immediately.He was confident in his long passes.
The pressure on Pirlo was huge.
Ancelotti put the weight of victory on the midfield—if Pirlo faltered, Suker's influence would fade.
The midfield battle promised to be fierce.
But Pirlo was confident he could control the tempo and supply Suker well.
Sidov and Kaká would also assist.
If Pirlo succeeded in delivering, Suker's impact could be unlimited.
The drizzle continued all day.
Because of the rain, Milan players wore long-studded boots to prevent slipping.
Night fell; San Siro was soaked but illuminated brightly by the stadium lights.
The outer walls shimmered like coated in water.
San Siro was still a fiery fortress.
In the south stands, a brand-new TIFO was displayed.
A group of tiny figures in Milan jerseys pulled ropes tied to a Champions League trophy.
Behind them were seven more trophies.
Clearly, the fans were expressing their thirst for an eighth European crown.
The Champions League semi-final fever surged.
With Liverpool already in the final, Milan's fighting spirit blazed.
They still remembered that night in Istanbul two years ago, and the burning desire for revenge.
Now, the chance was near.
Just knock out Manchester United, and the final awaited.
They wouldn't fall here.
Under the rainy curtain, San Siro's lights flickered.
The fans' passion was undampened by the cold rain.
They cheered wildly, fueling a fiery atmosphere.
The players finished final preparations and appeared in the tunnel.
The cameras focused on the players' faces.
From front to back, both Milan and United players looked grim.
At this critical Champions League stage, no one was relaxed.
The camera lingered on Suker.
As the most watched player, his performance would decide the match.
On the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, and Modrić shared the spotlight.
These three were the true pillars of Manchester United.
Under Ferguson's guidance, they had become outstanding players.
Clatter! Clatter!The rain intensified, drumming on the pitch and stands.
The players followed the referee's lead onto the field.
Starting Lineups:
AC Milan (4-3-2-1):
GK: Dida
DEF: Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski
MID: Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini
FWD: Kaká, Suker, Sidov
Manchester United (4-3-3):
GK: Van der Sar
DEF: O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
MID: Modrić, Carrick, Scholes
FWD: Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs
The lineups were mostly unchanged from the first leg.
Milan missed Maldini; Kaladze started.
Manchester United kept the same team.
Despite the draw at Old Trafford, Ferguson believed this lineup was optimal and trusted his men to win.
Roar!!!!!!
The crowd erupted.
Players took their positions.
Milan kicked off.
Suker stood on the center circle, eyes ahead.
Modrić glanced at Suker and winked.
Suker smiled back.
The referee, from Sweden, confirmed through his earpiece.
Tension peaked.
Beep!!
The whistle blew.
Suker started the game with the ball, passed back to Kaká, and they sprinted forward together.
Suker positioned himself behind the defense, awaiting a pass.
Manchester United immediately pressed back.
When the ball reached Nesta, he passed to Cafu, who passed to Pirlo.
Pirlo controlled the ball, turned, and launched a precise long pass.
Simultaneously, Suker sprinted to meet it.
Vidic tightly held Suker to prevent his acceleration.
But he failed to drag Suker behind.
Suker used his toe to stop and flick the ball, trying to shake Vidic off.
Vidic stuck close, joined by Ferdinand.
Together, they knocked Suker down, aiming to win the ball.
But before hitting the ground, Suker poked the ball out with his toe.
The ball rolled to Sidov behind him.
Sidov saw Suker hadn't gotten up and didn't rush forward.
He passed back to Pirlo to reset.
Suker stood, looking at Vidic and Ferdinand.
Manchester's defense clearly focused heavily on him.
They had practiced tight marking and compact defense to limit his space and influence.
But Suker was no ordinary striker.
He casually dropped back, while Kaká and Sidov drifted inside.
Vidic and Ferdinand frowned.
"This guy..." they thought.
They found Suker's integration into the team after dropping deep even more troublesome than his forward runs.