Italian giants AC Milan handed their Spanish counterparts a second-consecutive Champions League loss yesterday, inflicting a 2-0 defeat on the Catalan side in a clash before 90,000 spectators.
After last week's 3-0 humiliation at Istanbul-based outfit Besiktas, Milan seriously dented the Spanish giants' chances of reaching the second phase with strikes from Francesco Coco and Oliver Bierhoff.
Despite the Spanish side dominating the early stages, Coco silenced the partisan crowd with a goal on the stroke of half-time. A free-kick from Federico Guinti on the left found the head of Coco whose unstoppable header found its way into the Barca goal past French goalkeeper Richard Dutruel.
Despite the Spaniards pushing for an equaliser, Milan piled on further misery with just over a quarter of an hour to go. Coco again was instrumental, sending in a perfect cross as Bierhoff headed home to make it 2-0 and send Barcelona down a place to third in the group.
Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane was sent off as Juventus were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Deportivo Coruna in Group E. Zidane was dismissed for a late challenge on Brazilian Emerson in the 68th minute, but Deportivo were unable to take advantage of their extra man.
