Everything to play for after all-Milan semi ends 0-0

AC Milan and Inter Milan drew the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final 0-0 on Wednesday leaving everything to play for when they re-convene back at their shared San Siro ground for the second leg next Tuesday.

Milan will be disappointed not to have been able to make the most of their domination, particularly in the second half, but having not conceded Inter an 'away goal' they know a scoring draw when they are officially the away team will be enough to see them into the final at Old Trafford on May 28.

Uruguayan striker Alvaro Recoba failed to make the most of two good chances for Inter in the first half, but Milan enjoyed the better of the possession after the break but had only an Andriy Shevchenko shot, parried by Francesco Toldo, to show for all their neat approach play.

After the interval Milan stepped up the pace, launching a wave of attacks at the Inter defence. But Shevchenko was unable to turn the ball past Toldo at the near post after a fine run and cross from Kaladze and then the tenacious Gennaro Gattuso forced just a fine diving save out of Toldo in the 64th minute -- rather than finding the back of the net.

Too often -- against a well-disciplined Inter back line -- Milan were tempted into harmless long-range shots and Inter coach Hector Cuper will feel his decision to play with three central defenders paid off.