Milan giants inch forward in Europe

Italy’s Milan clubs looked in good shape at the midway stage of their Champions League quarter-finals after Wednesday’s first-leg fixtures tonight.

AC Milan achieved a commendable goalless draw against free-scoring Lyon, while Inter came from behind to win their home first-leg match with Villarreal 2-1.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan gave Villarreal the lead against Inter at the San Siro, but goals from Adriano and Obafemi Martins put the Italian side in charge ahead of the second leg in Spain.

The Spaniards made an electric start at the San Siro, taking the lead inside 45 seconds.

Pierre Wome looked leaden-footed at the back as Jose Mari wrong-footed him after collecting a pass from Juan Roman Riquelme before watching his shot parried by Francesco Toldo.

Forlan was following up and tucked the ball into an empty net.

Inter tried to hit back and their equaliser came after seven minutes. Dejan Stankovic did well to get down the right but appeared to miscue his cross. Fortunately for Inter, Brazilian striker Adriano recovered quicker than the Villarreal defence and swivelled before firing home with his left foot.

Sebastian Viera of Villarreal was the busier of the two goalkeepers and in the closing seconds of the first half an Adriano header whistled just wide.

Inter took the lead in the second half when Stankovic’s cross clipped Martins before finding the net.

Riquelme’s curling free-kick struck the bar as Villarreal sought the equaliser and the Spanish club also had a good late claim for a penalty turned down.

At Lyon, AC Milan held the hosts to a goalless draw in a game where chances were few and far between.

Milan, whose tally of six European Cup and Champions League titles is bettered only by Real Madrid with nine, started well but were pinned back by the French champions.

Gerard Houllier’s men at least managed to prevent the Italians getting an away goal at the Stade Gerland – a factor Lyon will hope to capitalise on in next Tuesday’s return match against last year’s beaten finalists.