AC Milan posted a 2-0 win over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at the San Siro Tuesday in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final.

European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko broke the deadlock with a cool finish three minutes before half-time for his sixth goal in eight European matches, before substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson doubled Milan's advantage with a close-range effort in stoppage time. 
AC Milan's Andriy Shevchenko (R) battles PSV Eindhoven's Alex for the ball during their Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, April 26, 2005.

Victory leaves the Italian giants in a strong position to reach their second Champions League final in three seasons.

The recently-crowned Dutch champions also produced some strong performance but squandered chances to lose the game.

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo and central defender Jaap Stam, formerly of PSV, both overcame injuriesto start for Milan, joint leaders of Serie A alongside Juventus.

With Alessandro Nesta suspended, Kakha Kaladze came into the starting line-up to play at left-back and captain Paolo Maldini moved into theheart of Milan's defence alongside Stam.

PSV coach Guus Hiddink, who made himself the most unpopular man in Italy three years ago when his South Korean team beat the Azzurri in the second round of the 2002 World Cup, was able to field his strongest team with no injuries or suspensions.

Milan were crowned European champions for the sixth time in 2003 when they defeated Serie A rivals Juventus in a penalty shoot-out.

Editor: Donald