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Giuly gives Barca a priceless win
![]() Giuly hit the winner after a superb through pass from Ronaldinho Ludovic Giuly, who tasted defeat in the 2003 Champions League final with Monaco, gave Barcelona a great chance of reaching this year's tournament climax by scoring their goal in a priceless 1-0 semifinal first leg victory away to AC Milan. Frenchman Giuly ran onto a superb right-footed through pass from Ronaldinho and lashed a left-footed volley past Dida after 56 minutes. Barcelona, composed in defense, held on with assurance, and nearly doubled their tally when Ronaldinho hit a post. Milan, who squandered a 3-0 halftime lead against Liverpool in last year's final, began aggressively and Alberto Gilardino almost put them in front after 14 minutes when he collected a long throw as Oleguer and Rafael Marquez dithered. He fired his angled shot against the near post but the Italians threatened again soon afterwards when Andriy Shevchenko positioned himself perfectly to meet Clarence Seedorf's cross from the left. Victor Valdes did well to dive to his left and clutch the Ukrainian's header. Barcelona created few chances in attack in the first half and Milan could have gone in front five minutes after the restart when Shevchenko made a great chance for Kaka, who shot wildly across goal. Barcelona's goal increased their confidence and seven minutes later Giuly burst away and set up Ronaldinho, whose controlled low shot left Dida beaten before hitting the upright. Dida was tested again when Andres Iniesta fired in a good effort. Milan summoned up a final threatening spell in which Kaka brilliantly created an opening for Ambrosinio who rushed his shot when superbly placed. Ronaldinho gave the home supporters a fright eight minutes from time with a dipping 25-yard free kick just over the bar and then Valdes held a header from Milan sub Maldini and Kaka shot just wide.
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