Hiddink and PSV earn plaudits

Deportivo omen
But while the Dutch papers believe the tie is already settled in Milan's favour, their Italian counterparts are wary of a repeat of last year when Milan threw away a three-goal first leg lead against RC Deportivo La Coruña to exit the competition.

AC Milan 2-0 PSV Eindhoven
Milan are just one step away from the final after another magical night for the Rossoneri. Yet, as they did against Inter in the previous round, Milan will look back at last season's incredible defeat by Deportivo and be fully concentrated in the Netherlands despite the two-goal lead. However, yesterday we understood once again why it was not only the referee's fault that Italy lost to the Korean Republic in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Then-Korea coach Guus Hiddink prepared another great game plan last night and PSV controlled Milan for long periods but failed to take their chances. However, this globetrotter coach has confirmed once again that he is a real 'maestro di calcio'. (Corriere dello Sport, Italy)

It was a game of football very similar to chess - patience was the key for Milan. PSV showed they know exactly how football should be played with their every move, as Hiddink produced another masterpiece despite the squad he has at his disposal. South Korean international Ji-Sung Park was a fly who continuously disturbed Milan's defence. PSV created many chances, especially in the second half, but somehow failed to score. Eventually Milan's class proved the difference between the sides. Carlo Ancelotti has won the first round but knows that PSV deserved a vital away goal. The mission is not yet completed. (Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy)

This season, PSV's play has often been referred to as Italian-style. Calculating, businesslike and effective. Yet in the Champions League semi-finals it was an Italian team who trapped PSV with the playing style they have displayed so successfully themselves. In the name of AC Milan, Shevchenko and Tomasson punished the few Eindhoven flaws without any mercy. (De Telegraaf, Netherlands)

PSV's fairytale tour of Europe will not end in Istanbul, where the Champions League final will be played in May. An unnecessary 2-0 defeat by Milan leaves PSV facing the impossible task of scoring three in Eindhoven against the Italian champions. The Dutch champions had more chances to score last night than they could have dreamed of, but simply lacked a striker of Shevchenko's calibre. (De Volkskrant, Netherlands)

PSV have shown the courage of a lion on the highest stage. But the chances they created last night and failed to convert means PSV will have to recover from a two-goal deficit in next week's home leg. Consequently, the route to the final in Istanbul seems to be almost certainly cut off. (Algemeen Dagblad, Netherlands)