Diego Costa's late header secured Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The hosts had the better chances in the first period, but could not make the breakthrough in an open 45 minutes.
It was a similar story in the second half, but Atletico grew into the latter stages and found the back of the net late on through their leading scorer.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics
Milan
Shots: 13
On target: 5
Possession: 52%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 15
Atletico
Shots: 10
On target: 7
Possession: 48%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 20
Was the result fair?
In truth, Milan were unlucky to lose this evening. The Italian outfit, aside from the first 10 minutes, dominated the first period and certainly created the better chances. Atletico arguably had the better of the second half, but a draw would have been just about a fair reflection of the events at the San Siro. Costa's late goal was a reflection of just how far the Spanish side have come in such a short space of time.
Milan's performance
It has been a largely disappointing season for Milan, with the Italian outfit currently sitting ninth in Serie A. They entered this match short of confidence, but there were plenty of reasons to be positive after a bright first period. Kaka and Mario Balotelli continued to look the most likely for the hosts, but ultimately they could not make the breakthrough. In truth, it is difficult to be too critical of Milan, who were the better team for long spells of the match.
Atletico's performance
The Spanish outfit started on the front foot, but were certainly lucky to enter the interval on terms after conceding a number of chances in the latter stages of the first period. It was a similar story in the early stages of the second, but Diego Simeone's side grew as the half unfolded. Atletico's season has been built on a strong base and that was indeed the case this evening as they continued their unbeaten record in this season's Champions League.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Diego Costa: The Brazilian-born Spanish international took a bit of time to influence proceedings this evening, but ultimately decided the match with a towering header in the latter stages. It wasn't Costa's finest night, but the 25-year-old has proved that he can influence matches of this magnitude. Atletico's chances of securing silverware this season will certainly depend on the performances of their leading scorer.
Biggest gaffe
Ultimately, missed opportunities cost Milan this evening. Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was in fine form, but the Serie A outfit had chances to move in front in the first period. The home side can certainly take heart from their performance, but they face an uphill task in the Vicente Calderon next month.
Referee performance
Pedro Proenca had a fairly busy evening at the San Siro with the Portuguese issuing seven yellow cards in total - three for Milan and four for Atletico. Despite a number of minor incidents, there were not too many controversial decisions. The official went unnoticed for long periods, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Milan: The Italian outfit will attempt to make it back-to-back wins in Serie A when they travel to Sampdoria on Sunday.
Atletico: Atletico are also on the road in their domestic season this weekend as they visit Osasuna on Sunday.
Matt Law
