The second leg of the last-16 Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and AC Milan took place at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday evening.
The Spanish outfit entered the tie as the slight favourites to advance into the last eight after recording a 1-0 win when the two sides met in the first leg at the San Siro last month.
Diego Costa made it 2-0 on aggregate in the early stages in Madrid, but Kaka levelled on the night for Milan after 27 minutes. Atletico regained their lead in the latter stages of the first period, however, when Arda Turan found the top corner with a deflected effort.
The home side added their third of the evening in the second half when Raul Garcia's thumping header found the back of the net, before Costa added his second five minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League last-16 coverage continues this evening as Atletico Madrid welcome AC Milan to Madrid for the second leg. The home side enter the match as the slight favourites following a 1-0 win when the pair met in the first leg at the San Siro last month, but Milan will be out for revenge in a country where they have struggled in recent seasons. It promises to be a fascinating encounter.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Raul Garcia comes into the Atletico XI this evening, while there is a spot in midfield for Mario Suarez. Leading scorer Diego Costa also starts for the hosts. Milan, meanwhile, are without skipper Riccardo Montolivo, but Mario Balotelli does start alongside Brazilian forward Kaka.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Koke, Gabi, Suarez; Garcia, Costa, Turan
MILAN: Abbiati; Abate, Bonera, Rami, Emanuelson; De Jong, Essien, Poli; Taarabt, Balotelli, Kaka
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Atletico XI this evening, with Koke, Gabi and Suarez forming a three-man midfield. Garcia also starts, but there is no place in the XI for David Villa, who scored twice against Celta Vigo at the weekend. Milan, meanwhile, go with a front three of Kaka, Balotelli and Adel Taarabt. Michael Essien also starts in central midfield alongside Nigel de Jong for the Italians.
Last week's clash in the San Siro was the first time that the two sides had met in a European fixture, with Diego Costa's late header the difference. Atletico might have a goal advantage and indeed home advantage this evening, but Milan, who have won the European Cup on seven occasions, are certainly the more experienced outfit at this level of football. They will attempt to use that to their advantage at the Calderon.
The last time that Atletico reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup was in 1997, when Atletico boss Diego Simeone was a player for the Spanish outfit. His side enter the match currently boasting a strong home record having won 15 of their last 16 matches at the Calderon in UEFA competition, including three straight victories in the group stages this season. What's more...
Atletico are one of just two teams – the other being their capital rivals Real Madrid – that are still unbeaten in this season's competition. The Spanish outfit also have the best defensive record having conceded just three times thus far, just one of which came on their own patch. It is a formidable record.
Atletico's recent record against Italian opposition is also strong, meanwhile, with four wins from their last four matches, scoring nine times in the process and conceding just once. The last time they welcomed Serie A opposition to the Calderon was in the 2011/12 Europa League round of 32, when the home side were 1-0 winners over Lazio courtesy of a goal from Diego Godin, who starts at centre-back this evening.
Atletico have also won all 19 UEFA competition ties in which they triumphed away in the first leg. Their opponents this evening have been eliminated in each of their last four Champions League knockout ties against Spanish opposition, however, with defeats to Barcelona in each of the last two campaigns.
The Spanish outfit won Group G with 16 points having won five of their six matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. They scored 15 times in the process and conceded just three, which was the joint-best defensive record in the group stages alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
A patchy run of form either side of the win over Milan threatened to harm Atletico's chances of La Liga success this season. However, they have recovered in recent weeks. As it stands, Simeone's side sit second in Spain's leading division having collected 64 points from their 27 matches. They are three points behind leaders Real Madrid and one point ahead of champions Barcelona.
How Atletico fare in the latter stages of the season will largely depend on the performances of Diego Costa, who has scored 27 times in all competitions this season. The forward, who made his Spain debut against Italy last week, has scored five times in the competition this season and is the first player to score in each of his first four Champions League matches since former Juventus forward Alessandro del Piero found the back of the net in his five outings in the 1995/96 campaign.
Milan, meanwhile, have it all to do in the Spanish capital this evening. Each of their last four away defeats in European competition have come in Spain. They lost 3-1 at Barcelona in 2011/12, 1-0 in the group stages to Malaga last season and 4-0 at Barcelona in quarter-finals. Overall, their away record against Spanish opposition is won four, drawn six and lost 15. The omens are not with them.
The last time that Milan won in Spain was in the group stages of the 2009/10 campaign, when a late strike from Alexandre Pato secured a 3-2 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Should that result occur this evening, then the Italian outfit would advance into the final eight on away goals. Scenes at the moment...
Of the six previous occasions that Milan have lost the first leg at home, they have advanced into the next round just once. That occurred in the 1955/56 campaign when they overcame FC Saarbrucken 7-5 on aggregate. The omens are certainly against the Italian outfit this evening, but records are there to be broken.
In addition to Milan's recent unhealthy record in Spain, the Serie A side have been knocked out in this stage of the competition in four of their last five Champions League campaigns. Clarence Seedorf's side have also won just two of their last 13 away knockout games in Europe, losing eight times in the process.
Milan enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Udinese in the league at the weekend, with that result leaving them in 10th spot in Serie A having taken just 35 points from their 27 matches. They are an incredible 37 points behind leaders and current champions Juventus and 20 behind third-place Napoli, which is an indication of their struggles in Italy this season.
At a pre-match press conference on Monday, Milan boss Seedorf had this to say: "We need to continue working hard, believing that we're on the right track ahead of Tuesday. We'll give our responses out on the pitch. I'm not worried. We need to think positive and be optimistic. We need to be convinced about our abilities to give a good performance and turn the situation around."
PREDICTION: It is the newcomers against the seemingly fallen giants this evening. Atletico enter the match as the favourites following a 1-0 win in the first leg and I would be surprised to see Milan turn that around. My score prediction is 2-0 Atletico, which would see the home side advance 3-0 on aggregate.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. Once the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, we will be ready to get the action underway. It will not come as much surprise that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the Calderon.
Just a reminder that Atletico enter the match with a 1-0 lead. Only a 1-0 Milan victory would take the match into extra-time and possibly penalties. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be decisive. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes underway in the Spanish capital.
As expected, fast start to the match with both sides forcing the issue in the opening couple of minutes. Atletico have taken control of the possession, but Milan have already demonstrated their desire to push Taarabt and Kaka alongside Balotelli in the final third. The early indications are strong in Madrid.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Milan (Costa)
The home side take the lead inside three minutes as Costa finds some space inside the Milan box before converting a fine cross from Koke. Brilliant from the Spanish international. Milan are in deep trouble here.
Well, as it stands, Milan need to score at least twice this evening. The first yellow card of the evening arrives for Garcia moments later as the Atletico midfielder dives into a poor challenge with Balotelli. That card rules the Spaniard out of the next match, should the home side advance. Poor from Garcia.
Milan just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Atletico continue to press high up the park, with Suarez and Koke both pushing into the Milan half. Not too much from the Italian outfit inside the opening eight minutes, with Taarabt and Balotelli both losing possession in quick succession. Moments later, Rami goes into the book for Milan following a late lunge on Costa, who has been terrific in the early exchanges.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Milan just need to be a little bit careful as they hand Atletico another free kick just outside the box. Koke stands over the set piece and Abbiati is forced to turn a low effort from Godin wide of the post.
Just a reminder that there is another Champions League last-16 second leg taking place this evening, with Bayern Munich currently level with Arsenal on the night, but the German side lead 2-0 on aggregate. Back to the Calderon, Milan have just started to up the tempo in the final third, but Balotelli has been left frustrated with little support. Taarabt has possession on the edge of the box moments later, but Luis crowds out the on-loan QPR attacker.
If Milan are to turn this tie around, then you just get the feeling that they need to score the next goal. Atletico have conceded just three times in the Champions League this season and have the best defensive record in Spain. Costa has another sight of goal moments later, but decides to feed it wide to Luis, when a shot on goal might have been the better option for the Spanish international.
It's bright work from Balotelli as the Milan forward turns on the edge of the box before forcing a foul from Miranda. The resulting free kick is taken by the Italian, but his effort is straight into the wall. The pressure continues outside the box, but Milan eventually put the ball out due to an injury to Costa.
Milan have certainly improved in the last 10 minutes or so, but they are still struggling to really worry Courtois in the Atletico goal. Slight lull in the match in terms of chances, meanwhile, with Atletico also guilty of some loose passing in the final third. It remains 1-0 Atletico on the night in the Calderon.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments due to a number of late challenges, with Balotelli's frustration growing. Atletico are in control of the possession, but Bonera and Rami have both made decent clearances in the last couple of minutes. Fascinating tactical battle.
It isn't exactly time to panic for Milan, but they do need to start forcing the issue in the final third. Abate and Emanuelson continue to press forward, but the final ball has been poor thus far. Still the two sides are separated by that wonderful Costa finish...
CHANCE! Milan's best chance of the match arrives for Balotelli as the Italian forward finds some space inside the Atletico box, but Miranda just does enough to put the Italian off at the final moment. Much better from the visitors in the last couple of minutes, while Atletico have been sloppy in possession.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Milan (Kaka)
Milan level on the night as Kaka rises at the far post before heading a cross from Poli into the top corner. It had been coming. Brilliant from the Italian outfit, who are right back in this match.
Suddenly it is the Milan supporters that can be heard inside this wonderful stadium. As it stands, another goal for Milan would take them into the next round on away goals. Atletico have been forced to drop about 10 yards, which has handed Milan the initiative. Abate has a crossing chance in a dangerous position moments later, but the right-back fires into the stands.
First sign of groans from the home supporters as another attack breaks down in the final third for Atletico. The home side looked extremely comfortable in the early stages, but have been second best for the last 20 minutes or so. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Calderon. Fascinating battle.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of some poor passing in the final third. Atletico have managed to gain some sort of territorial advantage, but another attack breaks down when Juanfran's cross evades Turan at the far post. It remains 1-1 on the night in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Milan as Kaka finds some space outside the box before bending a pass towards Balotelli, but it just runs away from the forward at the vital moment. Atletico need to be really careful here.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Kaka as the Milan skipper meets a cross from Taarabt, but his header is just high of the crossbar. Milan should be ahead here there is no question about that.
Atletico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Milan continue to force the issue. Taarabt has the chance to slide a pass towards Balotelli on the edge of the box, but Suarez is across to clear. The opening 40 minutes of this contest have just flown past. It has been a fascinating tactical battle in Madrid.
Atletico are not happy as De Jong seems to jump with an elbow into Garcia, which brings a furious reaction from Simeone. However, the referee takes no action. The resulting free kick is delivered towards Miranda, but Bonera is on hand to clear. Better from the home side, who still lead 2-1 on aggregate.
GOAL! Atletico 2-1 Milan (Turan)
Atletico score their second on the night five minutes before the interval as a strike from Turan takes a big deflection off Rami before nestling in the top corner. It is cruel on Milan, but Atletico do not mind.
CHANCES! Suddenly everyone in a red and white shirt wants the ball as Atletico force the issue in the Milan box. Costa drives a low cross towards Garcia, but Bonera is on hand to clear the danger. Moments later, a stunning effort from Garcia just drops wide of the post. Brilliant from the Spaniard.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of injury time and we are indeed into the second of those. Wonderful tempo to the match as the challenges continue to arrive from both teams. Luis delivers another dangerous cross into the Milan box moments later, but Abbiati is on hand to claim.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 2-1 Milan
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. Milan skipper Kaka cancelled out an early strike from Costa, but a deflected effort from Turan has left the Spanish side with a two-goal cushion in the tie.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Diego, Sosa, Rodriguez and Villa. Meanwhile, Milan have the likes of Pazzini, Robinho and Zaccardo in reserve. That said, it would be a surprise to see changes made at the interval.
STATISTICS: Milan have dominated the possession with 62%, while they have had four attempts, three of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target three times in their five attempts. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with referee Clattenburg issuing three yellow cards in total.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Atletico would advance 3-1 on aggregate. Milan need to score at least twice in the second half, but that would take them into the quarter-finals on away goals if they keep Atletico out. Right, Atletico get the action underway.
One change for Milan at the interval with Robinho entering the field in place of Taarabt, who struggled to influence proceedings in the first period. Atletico, however, go with the same XI, which is not much of a surprise. The onus is on the visitors to come out and force the issue in the second 45 minutes in Madrid.
Half-chance for Costa in the early stages of the second period as the Spaniard finds some space down the right, but his low effort whistles wide of the post. Milan are down the other end with Kaka moments late, but Godin just manages to force the Brazilian wide of the box. End-to-end football at the Calderon.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score their third as Costa finds Gabi with a through pass just inside the Milan box, but his effort smashes off the top of the crossbar. So unlucky.
Not too much for the travelling Milan supporters to get excited about in the last few moments with Atletico in control of the possession. You just get the feeling that another goal for the home side would end this contest. It would leave Milan needing to score three times. A dangerous cross from Abate threatens Courtois in the Atletico goal, but the Belgian does manage to gather having been unsighted by Miranda.
Rami lands himself a nasty head wound following some brilliant defending against Costa, but the centre-back does return to action following a period of treatment. Atletico come again down the right, but Juanfran's cross is straight into the arms of the Milan goalkeeper. It remains 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with the referee forced to stop the play following another head wound, this time for Suarez, who clashes with Essien in the middle of the park. Little over 30 minutes of this second leg remaining. We are getting to the stage where both managers will be considering making changes.
Suarez returns the field all patched up following that clash with Essien. Milan have a free kick just outside the Atletico box moments later after Juanfran fells Balotelli. The resulting set piece is taken by the Italian, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still no joy for the Italian side in Madrid.
Possession football from Atletico in the last few minutes with the Spanish side keeping hold of the ball. Juanfran eventually delivers towards the far post, but Poli is on hand to make the clearance. Another goal for the home side at this stage of proceedings would surely end the contest.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score their third of the night as Miranda meets a cross from Juanfran, but his header is straight into the arms of Abbiati. The pressure is coming from Atletico, but Milan are the team that need to score twice in the final 25 minutes or so.
Another sight of goal for the home side as Garcia turns on the edge of the box before flashing one towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Still no threat from Milan, with Balotelli subdued since he picked up a yellow card in the latter stages of the first period.
Better from Milan in the last couple of moments with the Italian side starting to force the issue in wide positions. Robinho has a half-chance after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Moments later, Milan make their second change as forward Pazzini replaces midfielder Essien.
CHANCES! Costa has a wonderful chance to score his second as he dances into the Milan box, but the forward takes too long, allowing Bonera to clear. The rebound falls to Gabi, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Little under 20 minutes of normal time remaining in Madrid.
GOAL! Atletico 3-1 Milan (Garcia)
Atletico score their third of the evening with 20 minutes remaining as Garcia rises highest inside the Milan box before thumping his header into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the Spaniard.
That proves to be Garcia's final involvement as the midfielder is replaced by Sosa. It has been another brilliant performance from the midfielder, who has starred in recent weeks. Surely there is no way back for Milan at this stage of proceedings. They need to score at least three times in Madrid.
CROSSBAR! Almost an immediate response from Milan as Robinho finds some space inside the box, but his powerful effort smashes against the crossbar. That would have made things interesting.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Just a quick update on tonight's other Champions League last-16 clash - Bayern Munich are currently level 1-1 with Arsenal on the night, but the German side lead 3-1 on aggregate.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the tie enters its final 10 minutes. In fairness to Milan they are attempting to respond, but are finding it difficult to force their way through this tight Atletico defence. Moments later, Atletico make their second change of the match as Rodriguez enters the field in place of Turan.
Atletico respond with their final change of the match as Muntari replaces De Jong, who has had a strong night in the middle of the Milan midfield. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Atletico comfortable in possession of the ball at the Vicente Calderon.
Atletico make their third and final change of the evening as Brazilian midfielder Diego replaces Koke, who has been brilliant once more. Can the Spanish side keep him out of the clutches of a number of teams in the summer? Manchester United are expected to return with a big-money bid for the Spanish international.
GOAL! Atletico 4-1 Milan (Costa)
Costa scores his 29th goal of the season as he collects a through pass from Sosa before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. Another wonderful effort from the Spanish international.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the Calderon as Atletico keep the ball in the final couple of minutes. It is tough on Milan, who have had spells in this match, but they have struggled in the second period. Atletico are heading into the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Can they win it? Why not!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as Atletico continue to keep hold of the possession.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 4-1 Milan
So there we have it. Costa scores twice as Atletico win 4-1 on the night and advance 5-1 on aggregate over Italian giants Milan. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all of the reaction.
