Milan unquestionably had the better of the first half, Alberto Gilardino hitting the post with a snapshot from a tight angle and V¨ªctor Vald¨¦s denying Andriy Shevchenko with a wonderful block shortly afterwards.

    Not until the 57th minute, the drama's defining episode unfolded. Ronaldinho lifted through a magnificent pass for Ludovic Giuly, who impressed in controlling the ball and then sweeping it past Dida, Milan's keeper. It was an away goal crafted by the gods.

    You can't keep a good man down, and there can be no denying that Ronaldinho is a good man. He was at the heart of virtually every attacking move for the Spanish champions. He did not score last night, but he set up the goal for Ludovic Giuly that should see Barcelona through to the final in Paris on May 17. Given a standing ovation in the Bernab¨¦u this season, he drew respectful applause as he came off in the San Siro and the mouth waters at the prospect of him sharing the Stade de France with Thierry Henry.  

    European Champions League semifinal summaries ¡¡

    Following are the summaries from the European Champions League semifinal first leg matches on Tuesday:

    AC Milan 0

    Barcelona 1 Ludovic Giuly (56)

    Halftime: 0-0; Attendance: 80,000

    Next Fixtures:

    Main Tournament - semifinal, first leg

    Wednesday, April 19 (GMT)

    Arsenal, England, vs Villarreal, Spain (1845)  Enditem (Agencies)