Ronaldinho penalty rescues Milan

FC Zurich 1 AC Milan 1:RONALDINHO CONVERTED a second-half penalty to salvage a draw for AC Milan at FC Zurich and send his team into the last 16.

The Italians went through to the first knockout round thanks to Real Madrids 3-1 win at Olympique Marseille in the other Group C game.

Zurich, already eliminated but winners away to Milan earlier in the group stage, took a shock lead through Milan Gajic’s free kick after 29 minutes.

Ronaldinho then sent Johnny Leoni the wrong way in the 65th minute after Marco Boriello had been fouled by Alain Rochat, who was shown the red card.

Milan finished with nine points from their six games and Zurich four. Real Madrid topped the group with 13 points while Marseille finished third with seven and will play in the Europa League last 32.

The result was a huge let-off for the Serie A team who had barely mustered a chance before the penalty but took control of the game afterwards.

Although Milan had the first chance when Alexandre Pato’s shot was saved by Leoni’s foot, Zurich then took command.

Adrian Nikci went close before Alexandre Alphonse wasted an even better chance when he fired over after being given a clear run on goal.

It was no surprise when Gajic gave the group stage debutants the lead when he eluded the wall with a free kick from the edge of the penalty area.

With Ronaldinho, Pato and Boriello ineffective, Milan made little headway until the penalty changed the complexion of the game.

FC ZURICH: Leoni, Philippe Koch, Barmettler, Tihinen, Rochat, Okonkwo, Aegerter, Gajic (Margairaz 82), Djuric (Lampi 66), Nikci (Vonlanthen 74), Alphonse. Subs not used: Guatelli, Mehmedi, Buchel, Schonbachler.

AC MILAN: Dida, Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva (Kaladze 20), Antonini, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Flamini 55), Seedorf, Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho, Borriello (Inzaghi 84). Subs not used: Storari, Huntelaar, Jankulovski, Di Gennaro. Booked: Abate, Seedorf.

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).