Athens the immediate test and ultimate goal for AC Milan

THE long road to the 2007 Champions League final in Athens starts for AC Milan with a game against a side from the host city tonight.

AEK Athens arrive at the San Siro as the Rossoneri’s first opponents of a campaign the club hope will end with a trip to the Greek capital.

With an eight-point penalty hanging around their neck in Serie A, the Champions League has assumed a higher responsibility for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.