Ancelotti expresses his relief

AC Milan maintained their perfect start to UEFA Champions League Group F, but coach Carlo Ancelotti's side needed two late goals to win after a spirited second-half comeback by Celtic FC. Andriy Shevchenko opened the scoring early in the first half, but a supreme effort by the visitors after the break was rewarded when Stanislav Varga headed in. But just as manager Martin O'Neill looked to have masterminded Celtic's first Champions League away point, substitute Filippo Inzaghi - troubled by injury last season - restored Milan's lead in the final minute, with Andrea Pirlo also striking in added time. Milan face group leaders FC Barcelona on 20 October, while Celtic play fellow strugglers FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

Carlo Ancelotti, Milan coach
We played very well in the first half, we played good football, high speed and very aggressive. In the second half we suffered from their pressure, and the way they played the ball high, but in the last minute we secured the three points. Maybe it was my mistake in delaying the change, I should have sent [Massimo] Ambrosini on earlier. Inzaghi was also very important, and only has to get fit now to start a match. In the first half we should have scored more goals but our forwards lacked precision. I think our win is deserved even if they played very well for at least 30 minutes in the second half. We have maximum points but we now have two difficult matches to play. Even Celtic can now qualify, but they have to win their next two games against Shakhtar. In the last few days we have won games by scoring in the last few minutes, by keeping focused and playing until the end.

Martin O'Neill, Celtic manager
I am very sorry for the players and for our wonderful supporters. It was a great performance in the second half, playing against a team that won the Champions League just 18 months ago. In the first half we could have been better, but we were a bit naive; we are still an inexperienced side. In the second half we were fantastic. It was a great performance, and five or six of our players were simply stunning. We are not out of the competition yet, and I want to underline that fact. But now we have to win in Ukraine, which will not be easy, but we can do it.

Andriy Shevchenko, Milan

Filippo Inzaghi, Milan
I have been dreaming of this moment for the last six months. Scoring a goal today was fantastic because the game was not going well for us. Personally I will need more time to be at my best, but until then I want to help my side as much as possible.