We deserved to have won, says Pellegrini

Gary Meenaghan

• Last Updated: November 04. 2009 9:42PM UAE / November 4. 2009 5:42PM GMT

Manuel Pellegrini said his Real Madrid side should have taken all three points from their Champions League trip to AC Milan, despite the rossoneri enjoying a strong finish in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the San Siro.

The visitors took a 29th-minute lead through Karim Benzema, but failed to hold on as Milan’s midfielder Ronaldinho equalised from the penalty spot six minutes later after Pepe fouled Gianluca Zambrotta inside the area.

Pellegrini, who found himself under intense scrutiny from fans and the media in the run up to the Group C clash, was adamant his team deserved the win.

“I want to talk about how we played in the first half and our attitude,” said the Chilean.

“Only Alexandre Pato had a chance for Milan in the first half, but in the second half Milan’s style made life difficult for us. In the second half, we held the ball better and by the end I would say we deserved the three points.”

Indeed, in the second half, Milan had the ball in the back of the net, but Pato’s effort was ruled out for handball, while strikers Marco Borriello and Filippo Inzaghi both missed excellent opportunities to seal the tie for the Italian side.

The Milan coach Leonardo conceded his opponents edged proceedings in the first period but added that he thought his side should have been celebrating a win at the end of 90 minutes.

“In the first half, they had lots of chances and made it difficult for us,” said the Brazilian, who like Pellegrini has come in for some criticism from his own supporters this season.

“But in the second half we had a lot more chances, and in particular Inzaghi had an excellent effort. If I go on the first half, I would have to say that Real Madrid deserved the win as they played better and created chances.

“In the second half, I think the match was even. We created a lot of chances and it wouldn’t have been wrong if we had won the match.”

Both teams now have seven points in Group C, with Milan holding the top spot thanks to their win at the Bernabeu last month.

Marseille sit one point behind them on six points after thrashing FC Zurich 6-1 at Stade Veldrome on Tuesday.



gmeenaghan@thenational.ae