AC Milan's players remained confident of reaching the last four of the Champions League despite drawing 2-2 in the home leg of their quarter-final with Bayern Munich last night.
The six-time European champions were twice ahead at the San Siro, but were hauled back on both occasions by Bayern defender Daniel van Buyten, the second time in the third minute of stoppage time. The return leg will be played in Munich next week.
"The 2-2 draw leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, but to win in Munich all we need to do is play like we did in this match," defender Massimo Oddo said. "We have to be pleased with our performance because our defence was excellent. Their goals were lucky goals, and we had a lot of bad luck. I think we'll make good in Munich and progress to the semi-finals."
Oddo's confidence was shared by his fellow defender Alessandro Nesta, who gave a solid performance despite only recently returning from injury.
"They aren't fabulous players, or at least they are not better than us," Nesta said. "We were a bit shocked when we first got back to the dressing room, but we still believe we can go through."
Bayern's chances of winning the second leg look slim. The German side last beat Milan almost 20 years ago - a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals of the 1989/90 European Cup. Their two away goals, however, mean that a 0-0 or a 1-1 draw would be enough to put them through.
The return from suspension of first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and midfielder Mark van Bommel will also strengthen the team.
The absence of Milan's leading scorer this season, Alberto Gilardino, who will be suspended after picking up a yellow card, leaves the tie delicately balanced.
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