UEFA Cup: Sheva's Goal Helped AC Milan Win

Andriy Shevchenko's goal helped ease Milan nerves as they comfortably saw off FC Zurich 4-1 on aggregate in their UEFA Cup first round tie. Carlo Ancelotti's men had a firm advantage after their 3-1 win at San Siro but the late away goal left them with a job still to do in Switzerland.

Andriy Shevchenko and Ronaldinho were started up front with Clarence Seedorf playing behind them. Within the opening 180 seconds, Shevchenko found himself through on goal, but Johnny Leoni blocked his effort. The Ukrainian international had another good chance in the 12th minute but Leoni again denied him with a superb save.

Kakha Kaladze went down and was replaced by Paolo Maldini after half an hour. Nelson Dida comfortably stopped a fizzing long-range strike from Silvan Aegerter. The Brazilian shot-stopper also blocked an effort from Dusan Djuric, who scored with a rocket in the first leg.

Milan were growing in confidence and they played some spectacular football as Ronaldinho back-heeled the ball to Luca Antonini who found Seedorf, but the Dutchman's effort grazed the post. On the stroke of half-time, Dinho seemed to have teed up Sheva for a tap-in, but the ex-Chelsea man didn't get there in time and the danger was cleared.

Ronaldinho, who was high on confidence after his derby heroics, provided a delightful assist for Sheva to slot precisely past Leoni for the first goal since his return to San Siro. The game ended with Zurich pressurising the Milan goal, but they were only looking for a consolation goal that never came. It's mission accomplished for Ancelotti, who can await the draw for the next round.

FC Zurich: Leoni; Stahel, Tihinen, Barmettler, Stuckl (Lampi 78); Djuric (Nicki 78), Abdi, Aegerter, Okonkwo; Alphonse (Tahirovic 82), Hassli

Milan: Dida; Zambrotta, Bonera, Kaladze (Maldini 30), Antonini; Flamini, Emerson, Ambrosini (Kaka 61), Seedorf (Gattuso 76); Ronaldinho, Shevchenko

Ref: Gonzalez (Spa)