Cuper stands by players after Derby defeat

AC Milan booked their place in the Champions League final by hanging on for a 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter last night but defiant Inter coach Hector Cuper insisted his players had turned in the better performance.

Andriy Shevchenko’s goal in first-half injury-time was levelled by Inter substitute Obafemi Martins with seven minutes remaining but despite a grandstand finish by the Nerazzurri it was AC who progressed on the away goals rule after last week’s 0-0 draw in the first leg.