“Pipo” Inzaghi sent AC Milan through to the next round of the champion’s league after beating Celtic on Wednesday night. Celtic rode their luck to qualify in second spot thanks to an unfancied away win for Benfica at Shakhtar Donetsk.

In a match that might not be remembered for its display of breath taking football, Fillipo Inzaghi struck from a close range effort after some magical interplay between Brazilians Kaka and Cafu . The Italian etched his name into the record book with that goal taking his personal European tally to 63, Making Inzaghi the all time leading goal scorer in all European competitions.

The Home win was a big positive for European giants Milan who have failed to record a league win in the San Siro. It was not plain sailing for the Italians however as Celtic put up a Fight typical of the Scottish champions reputation. In a surprise move Celtic coach Gordon Strachan relegated powerful Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to the bench. With Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti Replacing his controversial keeper Dida with Zeljko Kalac.

Celtic Looked jittery in the opening stages of the match and made unforced errors which Milan failed to capitalize on the first being an early free kick which Clarence Seedorf could only slam into the wall on 15 minutes. Kaka served notice as to why he is Front runner for the world player of the year award when he narrowly missed the outside of the post on 25 minutes.

In a quiet match where scoring opportunities were a rarity It took Milan 70 minutes to score the decisive Goal and the Italian spoke of his joy at beating the record previously held by Gerd Mueller saying “It was a strange feeling, like inner peace,”

Milan could well have doubled their lead but for Celtic Keeper Artur Boruc making excellent saves to deny Christian Brocchi and Inzaghi. Kaka also threatened to add to his remarkable European tally but was denied thanks to a goal line clearance in optional time.

Both sets of fans greeted the final whistle with cheers, knowing the next round of Europe’s top competition beckons

Tags: AC Milan, Celtic, Champions League