AC Milan eye quarter-finals after holding Arsenal
By Mike Collett
LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal must become the first English club to beat AC Milan in European competition at San Siro or else force a score draw to qualify directly for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
They could, of course, draw 0-0 again and take their chances on penalties but, whatever the outcome, the European champions will start the second leg of their first knockout round tie on March 4 as the favourites to reach the last eight.
Milan have played 11 home matches against English clubs in European competition since 1958, winning seven and drawing four.
Arsenal have never been eliminated from Europe by an Italian club and won 5-1 on their last visit to San Siro in November 2003 against Inter Milan who share the ground.
No knockout round tie has ended goalless since the Champions League format was introduced in 1992-93 and on Wednesday's evidence goals are likely in the second leg.
Arsenal played some excellent football but failed to capitalise on their home advantage at The Emirates.
Arsenal created most of the chances in an entertaining game and almost stole victory in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Emmanuel Adebayor headed against the bar.
