Mark
Apr 9 2003, 11:56 PM
Ajax coach Ronald Koeman admitted that AC Milan are now favourites to reach the Champions League semi-finals after Tuesday night's first-leg clash between the two sides ended goalless in Amsterdam.
However, the former Holland international insists his side will still travel to Italy full of hope of reaching the last four.
He told the club's website, www.ajax.nl: "Although the odds favour Milan, we'll go there with a lot of confidence. This 0-0 is fine for them, but we are able to score anywhere."
Neither side was able to dominate as the match was played at a sparkling pace, and chances were few and far between.
Milan were the better side in the first half but, apart from a shot by Andrei Shevchenko in the fifth minute, the Italians were unable to really trouble Bogdan Lobont in the Ajax goal.
The second half saw Ajax exert more pressure, but solid Milan defending meant they too could not find the net.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was predictably happy with the draw but also insisted his side will be taking nothing for granted in the return leg.
"It is a positive result for us," he said. "We defended well, but failed to create chances. We weren't aggressive, but that was also because we allowed Ajax to control the match.
"We always play well at home, but it's still all open for both teams."
However, the former Holland international insists his side will still travel to Italy full of hope of reaching the last four.
He told the club's website, www.ajax.nl: "Although the odds favour Milan, we'll go there with a lot of confidence. This 0-0 is fine for them, but we are able to score anywhere."
Neither side was able to dominate as the match was played at a sparkling pace, and chances were few and far between.
Milan were the better side in the first half but, apart from a shot by Andrei Shevchenko in the fifth minute, the Italians were unable to really trouble Bogdan Lobont in the Ajax goal.
The second half saw Ajax exert more pressure, but solid Milan defending meant they too could not find the net.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was predictably happy with the draw but also insisted his side will be taking nothing for granted in the return leg.
"It is a positive result for us," he said. "We defended well, but failed to create chances. We weren't aggressive, but that was also because we allowed Ajax to control the match.
"We always play well at home, but it's still all open for both teams."