AC Milan overcame a one-goal deficit to beat an emotional Sevilla side 3-1 to win the European Super Cup for the fifth time.
Sevilla, still recovering from midfielder Antonio Puerta’s tragic death, had a 1-0 lead at half time before AC Milan slammed three second half goals to seal the match.
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos said a win could have been befitting tribute to Puerta but felt his team did not play too badly.
He said
We wanted to win to dedicate the game to Antonio, but we at least played well.
Hearts were heavy for Sevilla, who had lost their 22-year-old midfielder Puerta. The midfielder died on Tuesday after he had collapsed during a match against Getafe three days back. In his memory, Milan and Sevilla players, along with the match officials, sported black armbands. All the players had Puerta’s name on their and the match started after a minute’s silence was observed.
Smiles were back on the Sevilla camp when Renato put his team ahead with a header in the14th minutes and pointed to the sky in an obvious reference to Puerta.
Milan took control of the match in the second half and Filippo Inzaghi drew parity with a header in the 55th minute.
Within seven minutes, Milan snatched lead when Marek Jankulovski shot home from close quarters and Kaka completed the tally in the 87th minute when he headed in after his penalty kick was blocked by Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop.
