Shevchenko back with a bang for Milan

14 April 2012

Andriy Shevchenko marked his return from injury by scoring AC Milan's second goal in a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Inter in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The European Footballer of the Year, who had been out of the side since mid-February with a fractured cheekbone, headed in Andrea Pirlo's free-kick 16 minutes from time.

The Ukrainian's goal was almost a carbon copy of Jaap Stam's opener in first-half injury time. The former Manchester United defender glanced in a Pirlo free-kick to register his first goal for the Italian champions since joining them from Lazio almost a year ago.

But Inter coach Roberto Mancini believes his side can overturn the result next Tuesday. "We are not resigned to our fate," he said. "We were the better team until we were caught cold before the break. We were sleeping for both those goals." Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was particularly pleased with Shevchenko. He said: "Given his injury it was good for him to score with a header in a crowded penalty area. He attacked the ball and that shows everything is fine with him."

Inter will feel the result was rough justice after they forced Milan keeper Dida into three saves before Stam scored with his team's first effort on goal. Substitute Giorgos Karagounis also hit the Milan post.

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