AC Milan takes big step toward final with win over PSV

AC Milan is on the brink of another Champions League final after beating Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven, 2-0.

European Player of the year Andriy Shevchenko and substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson provided the goals in the semifinal first leg at San Siro, giving the 2003 champions the overwhelming edge toward facing either Chelsea or Liverpool in the final in Istanbul, Turkey on May 25.

Milan was on the attack throughout the entire first half and nearly took the early lead in the 10th minute, but PSV goalkeeper Huerelho Gomes reacted brilliantly to tip Hernan Crespo's rocket shot over the crossbar.

In the 42nd minute, Brazilian midfielder Kaka went through the Eindhoven defense and found Shevchenko, who beat Gomes with a low shot into the corner.

PSV came out with renewed vigor in the second half, but the staunch AC defense limited the Dutch side to long-range shots like one from Ji-Sung Park that Milan goalkeeper Dida almost fumbled over his own line in the 48th minute.

Eindhoven could have gone home with only a one-goal deficit but failed to clear the ball from from its own area three minutes into injury time and Tomasson pounced on the loose ball and fired it past Gomes.

Eindhoven will host Milan in the second leg at Philips Stadium on May 4.