“The Battle of Milan: A Look Into the Historic Head-to-Head of AC Milan and Inter Milan in the Champions League”

AC Milan and Inter Milan – two of European football’s most successful and prestigious clubs – are set to face off in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night. The match holds high stakes for both teams, as they are not only competing for a place in the final but also local bragging rights. These two teams share a fierce rivalry and the iconic San Siro stadium – their shared home ground – has been the backdrop of some of the most thrilling and controversial fixtures in Champions League history.

AC Milan have won the Champions League a record seven times, making them the second-most successful club in competition history, while Inter Milan have lifted the trophy on three occasions, including a treble-winning season in 2009-10. However, despite their differing levels of success, this has not dampened the intensity of their rivalry, especially when it comes to Champions League fixtures.

The upcoming match between these Milan sides represents the third time they have been drawn against each other in the Champions League, with their previous encounters offering plenty of drama and controversy. The first meeting took place in the 2002/03 semi-finals when both legs of the tie were played at the San Siro, with AC Milan acting as the ‘home’ side in the first fixture and Inter Milan taking that role in the second game.

Despite both games being played in the same stadium, AC Milan qualified for the final thanks to the away goals rule, which was in effect back then. This sparked controversy, as AC Milan were technically the away side in the second fixture, yet they scored the crucial goal which secured their passage to the final against Juventus.

Their second meeting in the 2004/05 quarter-finals saw AC Milan take a 2-0 lead in the first leg at home, while the second leg at the San Siro would prove to be decisive. AC Milan’s lead extended to a three-goal advantage when Andriy Shevchenko scored another in the second half. Inter Milan thought they had scored a crucial goal that would bring them back into the game when Esteban Cambiasso nodded home a corner with just over 20 minutes remaining. However, the referee deemed that there was a foul in the buildup to the goal, disallowing it and sparking chaos at the San Siro. Inter fans threw flares onto the pitch in protest, and one of these pyrotechnics struck AC Milan goalkeeper Dida. After much deliberation, officials abandoned the match due to safety concerns, awarding AC Milan a 3-0 second leg victory and a 5-0 aggregate win.

It is important to note that the upcoming match between these Milan sides takes place while controversy surrounds the San Siro’s demolition, as it is currently unclear where both AC Milan and Inter Milan will play their home fixtures in the future.

In conclusion, the historic head-to-head between AC Milan and Inter Milan has provided plenty of drama, controversy, and local pride. While the two sides may have differing levels of success, their rivalry ensures that whenever they meet, there are always fireworks. As both teams look to secure a place in the Champions League final, fans around the world will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting what is likely to be another intense and thrilling encounter between these iconic Milan clubs.

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