Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Dec 11, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

AC Milan
0-0
Ajax

Half-Time Report: Ten-man AC Milan half-way to last-16 stage

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 11 December 2013

AC Milan record a 0-0 half-time draw with Ajax at San Siro, putting Max Allegri's 45 minutes away from a place in the last-16 stage.

AC Milan are half-way toward securing their place in the last-16 stage of the Champions League after earning a 0-0 half-time draw with Ajax at San Siro.

AC Milan's midfielder Riccardo Montolivo fights for the ball with Ajax's midfielder Davy Klaassen during the group H Champions League football match AC Milan vs Ajax, on December 11, 2013 © Getty Images

The Rossoneri, who need only a point from their Dutch counterparts to book their place in the second round of the competition, face an uphill task in their bid to seal progression, though, as Riccardo Montolivo's 22nd-minute red card handed the Dutch a numerical advantage.

Frank de Boer's men, who need all three points to progress at the expense of Milan, came within the width of the post from taking a fifth-minute lead.

Christian Poulsen rose highest from a Lasse Schone corner but the Dane saw his header cannon off the post.

The visitors came close again on 21 minutes, as Davey Klaassen saw his diving header well saved by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Montolivo was soon dismissed for a late challenge on Poulsen to give Massimiliano Allegri's men a testing second half.