Result: 0-0
Arsene wenger's side always faced a tough task, against current UEFA Champions League title holders.
Things started brightly for the visitors as Milan progidy, Alexandre Pato, flicked the ball over Cesc Fabregas showing deft touch, and had his volley blocked by Kolo Toure. The Gunners centre-back was forced off injured and, while the home side were a man down from a corner, Maldini had a near post header palmed to safety by keeper Lehmann.
Arsenal showed great hunger and attacking threat in the final third of the pitch with Cesc Fabregas, Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Eboue, Mathieu Flamini all having sights on goal - but could not make their chances count against the Italians.
Adebayor was gifted a golden opportunity in the last seconds of the game, in the 93rd minuted to statch it, when he headed a point-blank opportunity onto the cross-bar saving Milan from a difficult position when they face at the San Siro.
"We didn't take advantages of the chances that we created," said Wenger. "We were a bit forceful and a bit nervous in the final third or our finishing situations."
"Milan defended with a lot of experience. They adapted to the situation in thinking they would be under pressure and that they would have to defend well, which is what they did."
"But, overall, we played a fantastic game and it's a shame that didn't get us a goal."
No English side has ever beaten Milan at the San Siro, but their coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to write off Arsenal's chances.
"Qualification is still in doubt. We are not yet safe for the return match," he said.
"We're not sure of going through because Arsenal have shown great quality and we know they can do it in the return."
The two sides meet again on 4th March for second-leg at the San Siro - we will cover that match and wait impatiently to see how the two sides shape up before the decider - Ronaldo R9 Team
Arsenal Subs: Lehmann, Sagna, Toure (Senderos 7), Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Walcott 89), Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb, Adebayor, Eduardo (Bendtner 74).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Denilson, Silva, Justin Hoyte.
Bookings: Senderos, Eboue
AC Milan Subs: Kalac, Oddo, Nesta (Jankulovski 50), Maldini, Kaladze, Pirlo, Gattuso, Kaka, Seedorf (Emerson 86), Ambrosini, Alexandre Pato (Gilardino 77).
Subs Not Used: Fiori, Inzaghi, Bonera, Brocchi.
Bookings: Alexandre Pato
Attendace: 60,082 (Emirates Stadium)
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).
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