AC Milan vs Fenerbahçe (Pre-match & Match Comments)

Milan braced for Turkish test
Monday, 5 September 2005

It is just under four months since AC Milan relinquished a 3-0 half-time lead to lose on penalties in the most dramatic of UEFA Champions League finals against Liverpool FC in Istanbul. So it is ironic that last season's runners-up start this campaign with a game against a club from Istanbul.

Fenerbahçe SK retained their Turkish title in May, and will be keen to continue the improved form shown at the end of the 2004/05 group stage. Fenerbahçe won their last two matches - a 1-0 victory at AC Sparta Praha prefacing Tuncay Sanli's hat-trick which defeated Manchester United FC 3-0 - to give this young side a boost for their return to the tournament.

The teams have yet to meet in UEFA competition, but Milan will be aware of the threat of Istanbul clubs in the Champions League. Their encounters with Galatasaray SK have resulted in Milan's elimination from two recent group stages.

In 1999/00 Milan won 2-1 at home in Group H, but Galatasaray edged the return 3-2 with late goals from Hakan Sükür and an Ümit Davala penalty, sending Milan crashing out of the event.

The following season Milan initially gained a measure of revenge in the first group stage with two wins against Beşiktaş JK, 4-1 at home and 2-0 in Istanbul, but again Galatasaray were to prove a thorn in their side. A 2-2 draw at Milan in Group B of the second group stage was followed by a 2-0 loss in the return, and another early exit.

Milan will have happier memories of their first meeting with a Turkish team back in the 1962/63 European Champion Clubs' Cup. An 8-1 aggregate victory against Galatasaray was a prelude to winning the competition with a 2-1 success against SL Benfica at Wembley – the side being captained by Cesare Maldini, father of current Rossoneri skipper Paolo Maldini.

Overall, Milan have played four home games against Turkish opposition with three wins and a draw, and a goal difference of 13-4. Their biggest victory was the first match against Galatasaray in 1963 when José Altafini's hat-trick helped Milan triumph 5-0.

Fenerbahçe will be making their fifth trip to Italy - they have lost on their previous four, scoring twice while conceding eleven goals. Overall, Fenerbahçe have one win and seven defeats from eight outings against Serie A sides, with three goals scored against 14 conceded.

Fenerbahçe have met one Italian team in the Champions League. They were drawn against Juventus FC in Group C of the 1996/97 group stage, with Juve winning 1-0 in Turkey and 2-0 in Turin.

The last time Fenerbahçe faced a side from Italy was in the first round of the 1998/99 UEFA Cup, against Parma FC. Fenerbahçe won the home leg 1-0 for their only victory against Serie A opposition, but Parma prevailed 3-1 in the return with Hernán Crespo among the scorers. Parma went on to win the competition.

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Canadians, TLN will show this game live 2:30 PM EST on matchday.

Will Jankulovski be fit 4 the match? Is Maldini going 2 sit this one out? I don't think we'll be playin the same squad against Siena

Fenerbahçe

Goalkeepers

1 Volkan Demirel
22 Serdar Kulbilge
34 Rüştü Reçber

Defenders

2 Fábio Luciano
3 Servet Çetin
5 Ümit Özat
6 Mahmut Hanefi Erdoğdu
17 Can Arat
19 Önder Turacı
24 Deniz Barış

Midfielders

4 Stephen Appiah
7 Mehmet Yozgatlı
15 Marco Aurélio
20 Alex
21 Selçuk Şahin
27 Kemal Aslan
30 Serkan Balcı

Forwards

8 Zafer Biryol
10 Tuncay Şanlı
11 Márcio Nobre
16 Kerim Zengin
18 Gürhan Gürsoy
23 Semih Şentürk
29 Olcan Adın
39 Nicolas Anelka

Marek won't be fit. The squad is likely to feature those who had a small part in the Siena game - Gattuso, Kaka, Cafu, Stam. Also expect to see Ambrosini after his solid performance against Siena.

I think the squad will be

Dida, Nesta, Cafu, Stam, Kaladze, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Kaka, Pirlo, Shevchenko, Vieri

Does anyone know if it will be possible to watch this game online?

uefa.com but you have to subscribe to them.

You can watch games live on uefa.com now? I haven't subscribed to that site since I was living in the States two years ago, but then I only got live audio.

We'll destroy Fenerbahce No doubts. Milan will go far in CL this year, I have little doubt about it as well. Since Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv both(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) got beat out of CL, there is no Ukrainian clubs in the group stages. Complete tragedy . But I suspect Milan will ease my pain.. Just get better on set peices, and Milan is untouchable.

Originally Posted by Nadir

Marek won't be fit. The squad is likely to feature those who had a small part in the Siena game - Gattuso, Kaka, Cafu, Stam. Also expect to see Ambrosini after his solid performance against Siena.

I think the squad will be

Dida, Nesta, Cafu, Stam, Kaladze, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Kaka, Pirlo, Shevchenko, Vieri

And I think, Fenerbahçe's squad will be:

Volkan, Önder, Luciano, Serkan, Ümit, Appiah, Aurelio, Selçuk, Alex, Tuncay, Anelka.

My prediction of the score


Milan 1 - 2 Fenerbahce

I will give a more realistic prediction:
Milan 4-1 Fener

fener have no chance against a milan that has everything to prove to itself and it's fans. fener is gonna face the unfortunate brunt of milan's all out fury. milan 4-0 is a more realistic scoreline.

Carlo Ancelotti is eagerly looking forward to Tuesday’s game against Fenerbahce as Milan look to exorcise their Champions League ghosts.

The Rossoneri open their European Cup campaign against the Turkish giants just months after their amazing Istanbul collapse to Liverpool in May.

Milan did take a three-goal lead in last season’s Final but somehow lost to the Premiership side on penalties.

"It’s not right to not think about that game," stated the tactician. "It happened and we must acknowledge that.

"In fact, it should give us the strength and an extra stimulus for this new adventure.

"I can’t wait for the Champions League to start again, even if we have some difficult games ahead of us.

"Nevertheless, it is our intention to be protagonists in the competition as we were last season."

Milan have been drawn in Group E along with PSV Eindhoven of Holland, Germany’s Schalke and tomorrow’s opponents Fenerbache.

"They (Fenerbache) are a side who are very similar to us," noted Ancelotti. "That is because they have some quality players who like to keep hold of the ball.

"I think they are a well balanced side who have a good chance of qualification.

"They are better than Schalke 04 and PSV, that’s why the away match against Fenerbahce will be the toughest."

Milan won 3-1 against Siena on Saturday but changes will be made to the starting line-up.

"Christian Vieri will definitely play as he is fresh, I’m sure he will have a good game," Ancelotti revealed.

Vieri will probably step in for Alberto Gilardino. "His performances are getting better and if Gilardino doesn’t play against Fenerbache, it won’t be because of his display against Siena," he said.

"I thought he did well. Although strikers live on goals, that is not the most important thing for a Coach. All of us have faith in him."

Dutchman Jaap Stam is likely to be rested given that he has a slight thigh problem.

UEFA Champions League: 2005-6

Group E - Matchday 1

__________ vs. __________

AC Milan _____________________ Fenerbahçe SK

Stadio San Siro - Milano, ITALIA

Capacity: 85,700






Tuesday [September 13, 2005]

Kick-off -> 19:45 (UK Time): Sky Sports Xtra

PREVIEW
=======

A new day begins for Carlo Ancelotti's Milan side that was on the losing end of a highly dramatic UCL final that will go down in UEFA's history as the best epic final of all-time. The six times European Champions have strengthened their side with some key signings and are firmly intent on making the trip to Paris to bring back the trophy that was within grasp in Istanbul.

Milan has been drawn in a tough group. Last season's semi-finalists PSV Eindhoven have had their side decimated by transfers as the two Koreans (Park & Lee), Vogel, Bouma and captain Van Bommel have all left the Dutch champions. To add to the dilemma that PSV is in, their coach Hiddink will be focussing on the Australia National Team after X-Mas and splitting duties making it a rough ride for them if they are in the competition at that time.

I personally think that this group will be competed between Milan, Fenerbahçe and Schalko 04 leaving PSV to fight for a possible UEFA Cup place.

The Turkish visitors Fenerbahçe start off their UCL campaign with the toughest match in their group. They are not expected to pull off a result or an upset so they can use this opportunity to try and have a go at Milan like PSV and Liverpool did for a brief period.

There have been lots of positive points especially tactically speaking from the Milan performance on the weekend. Milan has to carry on in that same fashion and not lose concentration as that can cost dearly.

The opening game is a must to win in this competition IMO. Life becomes tough if there is an early slip-up and the pressure starts to build-up slowly. Milan's second game is away to Schalke 04 (the other stronger team IMO) so it is imperative to not take the foot off the pedal and make qualification asap.

Fener's second game will be at home to the weakest side in the group where they should expect a win but a demoralising loss could affect their performance so they have to be on guard. On the other hand a nice fought match with a surprise would lift up their spirits greatly.

============
---> M I L A N <---
============

Milan is starting a new journey of 13 games only. 13 games that take a year to finish and the 13 games that get tougher by the game. 13 games that are worth 38*3 league matches. So it does seem "only" when 13 games is mentioned but it is a lot more difficult than it appears to be. That is why we are in this competition. To go the distance. We're not the favourites. Chelsea, Barcelona and Juve are all ahead. The odds are against us but history is in favour of us. If the team can learn to convert the anger of losing the final into a positive energy then this team will go far and become Campioni d'Europa in the World Cup Year just like 1994 and 1990.

=================
---> F E N E R B A H Ç E <---
=================

Fenerbahçe has been doing well under Christophe Daum seemingly. They've won two league titles and I think they have surpassed their arch-rivals Galatasaray to win more Turkish League Titles. This tournament is providing a good chance for them to do well in this competition. The group is undeniably tight but the Brasilian flair they carry plus the experience of last season's competition are valid reference points for them on how to tackle future situations. Not many people will bet on the Turkish champions to win this competition but they are still a good bet to get out of this group and reach the knock-outs provided they can keep their defence in check that can concede a bundle and would have to be their main point of concern.


Probable Starting Line-Up(s)
=======================

---------------
---> Milan <---
---------------

Formation: 4-4-2 diamond (4-1-2-1-2)


___________________Dida_____________________

__Cafu_______Nesta_______Maldini_______Kaladze__

___________________Pirlo_____________________

_______Gattuso_______________Seedorf_________

___________________Kaka_____________________

___________Sheva_________Vieri_____________


---------------------------
--- Ancelotti [M I L A N] ---
---------------------------

1. Carlo Ancelotti reached perfection tactically on Saturday night with effective utilization of the squad. It seems that he is more inclined to try and use a flexible approach by playing the players on form rather than going by the names which is a positive step forward. Milan has the squad to compete in all competitions and this strategy will come in handy in the latter part of the season.

2. Rui, Ambrosini, Stam and Gilardino might well be relegated to the bench. Stam has a little injury problem so Cafu will return to take the RB spot. Gattuso will come in for Ambrosini and Vieri will take the striker spot up front that will be vacated by Gilardino. There is still a good chance that all these players will still figure in the match at some point.

3. Shevchenko, Kaka, Serginho, Rui and Ambro are all having a very good start to the season so Fenerbahçe has to be wary of these players. Shevchenko will play deeper than usual thereby making it a 4½ men type midfield.

4. Milan is still pretty weak on the set-pieces and therefore have to act quickly to solve or at least fix this problem as every goal in the UCL is very important and this group is tough enough as it is.

---------------------
---> Fenerbahce <---
---------------------

Formation: 4-2-3-1

_______________________Rüştü___________________

_____Balıc_____Luciano________Turacı________Ümit__

______________Aurélio_________Appiah_____________

_________Nobre_________Alex________Tuncay______

______________________Anelka___________________


---------------------------------
--- Daum [F E N E R B A H Ç E] ---
---------------------------------

Don't know much about the Turkish champs to really talk about them right now.

1. Their target man up front is Anelka who can be a handful due to his pace but his problem has always been his mentality.

2. Alex will be dangerous to create the play and on set-pieces as well while this Tuncay chap looked pretty decent the last time I saw him which was quite a while ago.

3. The 5 man midfield will be there so Milan has to be careful as we don't play well against a 5 man midfield if they know how to hold on to the ball and come at us with brisk pace. The way to counter that is through a 5 man midfield or a better approach of holding on to the ball. The team especially Kaka and Gattuso have already practiced on keeping the ball exercises so Milan has been preparing in the right fashion.

4. Fener will try to start the game quick and hope to get an early goal to offset Milan. They won't and they can't afford to play the waiting game even though it is a difficult thing to do.


KEY BATTLES
==========

Sheva vs. Luciano

Vieri vs. Turacı

Kaka vs. Appiah

Nesta vs. Anelka

Gattuso vs. Tuncay

Maldini vs. Alex


KEY MEN
=======

Shevchenko

He has already scored two long range beauties and seems in fantastic touch. What a brilliant start to this new season for him. He had his first child, Ukraine qualified for the WC thanks to him and he committed his career to Milan. Life's good for the Stealth Bomber. :thmbup:


Anelka

Alex can create for the team but somebody has to do the finishing and in a game where every goal could end up being important, it will be extremely important to end up finishing the chances and capitalize on the situation. Anelka will need to be on his toes and not miss sitters or they could cost Fener a lot.

PREDICTION

So ... here we go again ... another chance ... another shot to aim for becoming the best in Europe. Milan has a good team and is not inferior to anybody. We've got a brilliant nut as a psychologist. There is only one thing on this team's mind and that is to get to Paris. It is a long winding road ahead but all these steps are a part of the destination. Hurdle 1 is the visiting Turkish Champions who come here with absolutely nothing to lose. Milan has to win the game to get off to a winning start as it bodes well for the campaign. There must always be purpose & intent in the performance. We have to set the record straight. After all "We Are Milan". A slip-up occurred in Serie A but that is in the past now. A 5 man midfield is the only question mark I have as we have struggled with it IF the team knows how to hold on to the ball and comes at us hard. For that reason a draw could happen but I think the team has been preparing well and knows what to expect. The key lies in not letting the opponent get hold of the ball and not have a slip-up in concentration.

It will be a cracking game and probably the pick of the bunch. The atmosphere will be special for this one as the Turks know how to support their teams as well. Let it beginnn!

--->>> Milan will edge out Fenerbahçe by a goal in a game where both sides score to get the campaign off to a winning start albeit with some nervous moments!

The long journey begins tomorrow night for the Rossoneri. Get behind the team beloved Milanisti and let's make the tough trip together to get to the top of the world again. Forza Milan!.


AC/DC - It's a long way to the top [if you wanna rock 'n' roll]


Ridin' down the highway
Goin' to a show (the UCL)
Stop in all the by-ways (UCL travels)
Playin' rock 'n' roll (entertaining the Milanisti)
Gettin' robbed (bad ref decisions)
Gettin' stoned (Interisti throwing flares at us )
Gettin' beat up (losing games)
Broken boned
Gettin' had
Gettin' took
I tell you folks
It's harder than it looks

It's a long way to the top (Paris - Rooftop of the world )
If you wanna rock 'n' roll
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll
If you think it's easy doin' one night stands
Try playin' in a rock roll band
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll

Hotel, motel
Make you wanna cry
Lady do the hard sell
Know the reason why
Gettin' old
Gettin' grey
Gettin' ripped off
Under-paid
Gettin' sold
Second hand
That's how it goes
Playin' in a band

It's a long way to the top (The Cup with the Big Ears)
If you wanna rock 'n' roll
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll
If you wanna be a star of stage and screen
Look out it's rough and mean
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll