SOCCER UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: FC Zurich v AC Milan
AC MILAN are hoping to get Ronaldinho back to fitness in time for tonight’s crucial Champions League clash against FC Zurich at the Letzigrund stadium.
The experienced Brazilian playmaker picked up a muscle injury during Saturday’s 3-0 triumph over Sampdoria and is battling against the clock to play in the big game.
Rossoneri coach Leonardo will be desperate to have Ronaldinho available, with the ex-Barcelona star having been in inspired form in recent weeks – Ronaldinho created the first two goals against Sampdoria.
Milan go into their last Group C clash in second position in the pool, one point clear of Olympique Marseille and two points behind group leaders Real Madrid.
The Italians know they will qualify for the last 16 if Marseille fail to beat Real Madrid at home.
However, should the French side pull off a surprise victory against the Spaniards, the Rossoneri will also need a triumph to progress, and such an outcome would also see the Italians top the group.
AC Milan’s top scorer Alexandre Pato said: “We are playing a crucial game in Switzerland. I am confident we will go out for the win and ready to put in a great performance.”
Milan have reason to be optimistic for they make the journey to Switzerland on the back of five consecutive league triumphs.
Their good run of form has seen the Rossoneri remain second in the Serie A standings and reduce the gap to leaders Inter to four points after 15 games played.
“Our secret of success is the group,” said Pato. “When I arrived in Milan I was told it is a big family and this is true. We are all united and that makes it easier to create a good atmosphere in the group and give our best.”
Zurich are already out of contention for European football after Christmas having only taken three points from five games.
But the Rossoneri will not take the Swiss champions lightly, and for good reason. The last time the sides met earlier in the competition, it was coach Bernard Challandes’ team who came out on top.
Finnish defender Hannu Tihinen’s goal handed Zurich a memorable 1-0 triumph at the San Siro.
The Swiss side go into the game looking to make amends after their 1-0 defeat at Grasshoppers at the weekend left them in seventh place in the 10-team Super League.
The hosts want to end their first adventure in the Champions League group stages on a positive note. Zurich midfielder Xavier Margairaz said: “For us to have taken part in the Champions League is a step forward. It’s very important that a Swiss team plays in the Champions League.”
