Seedorf predicts Camp Nou classic

The AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes supporters can expect another "special match" as the Rossoneri meet FC Barcelona for the second time in eight days needing a victory to reach their third UEFA Champions League final in four seasons.

Late chance
Milan huffed and puffed for much of last week's encounter at San Siro, only to be blown away by Ludovic Giuly's fizzing left-foot drive in the 57th minute following Ronaldinho's sublime curled pass from central midfield. Andriy Shevchenko, Alberto Gilardino and Kaká each missed presentable openings for Milan, although it was late substitute Massimo Ambrosini - who sits out the rest of the season through injury - who wasted the best of them as he dragged a fine Kaká pass inexplicably wide when the situation demanded a cooler head.

No change
Seedorf, who is looking for a pick-me-up having been omitted from Marco van Basten's provisional 33-man Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup finals, said of tonight's sold-out second leg: "I expect pretty much the same type of game as we had at home. These are two teams that do not really change when they play at home or when they play away, so I do not think there will be many changes to the style of football. We're here to overturn the result and reach the final."

Three wins
Now 30, Seedorf won the UEFA Champions League for the first time with AFC Ajax in 1995 and has since become the first man to lift the famous trophy with three different clubs, having also triumphed with Real Madrid CF in 1998 and Milan five years later. Should Milan overcome Barça and then Arsenal FC in the 17 May final, the Dutchman will join Phil Neal of Liverpool FC and Milan team-mate Paolo Maldini as the only non-Real Madrid CF players to secure four winners' medals.

'Honour'
"It will be a very difficult game against a great Barça team," continued Seedorf. "Barcelona have played well for many years and now they're in a Champions League semi-final. It's very important for the club to reach the final but I'm here to help Milan do just that. All Champions League games are important but this is going to be a special match. It's an honour to be playing in it." And to be in attendance, no doubt.