A fierce drive by Danish midfielder Thomas Helveg in first half injury time earned AC Milan a 1-0 away win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Deportivo began brightly, taking the game to the Italians. Brazilian midfielder Emerson was in commanding form in midfield, but the Spanish first division leaders were unable to take advantage of their domination.
The experienced Milan defence, directed impeccably by Paulo Maldini and Christian Costacurta, constantly frustrated the home side's attacks.
In one of Deportivo's few clear opportunities, Djalminha cut open the Italian defence on 30 minutes but his shot was cleared off the line by Roque Junior.
Milan then delivered a hammer blow to the Spanish champions' morale with Helveg's well-struck drive.
Deportivo threw caution to the wind after the interval. But Milan soaked up the pressure and looked dangerous on the break with Andriy Shevchenko going close on several occasions.
In the group's other match, substitute Umit Davala scored a 51st-minute penalty to give Galatasaray a 1-0 win over Paris St Germain in Istanbul. Davala, who came on for the injured Belozoglu Emre in the first half, scored from the spot after defender Talal El-Karkouri fouled Galatasaray striker Mario Jardel.
The French side came into the contest without a win in any of their previous eight matches and without a key duo in injured playmaker Jay Jay Okocha and striker Nicolas Anelka, who made a surprise appearance for the final 20 minutes.
The Turkish side, UEFA Cup winners last season, dominated without creating many chances, but seized their opportunity when it came. PSG goalkeeper Lionel Letizi was outstanding in the first half to keep his side in contention.
