Ronaldinho breaks Braga hearts
AP
Andrei Shevchenko unleashes a shot for Milan.
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Match Stats
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AC Milan
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Braga
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Shots (on Goal)
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13(3)
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10(3)
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Fouls
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9
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14
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Corner Kicks
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4
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3
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Offsides
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3
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0
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Time of Possession
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50%
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50%
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Yellow Cards
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0
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0
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Red Cards
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0
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0
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Saves
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4
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3
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Match Information
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Stadium:
Giuseppe Meazza
Attendance: 10,608
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s):
Peter Rasmussen (Referee)
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Updated: November 6, 2008, 8:00 AM UK
MILAN, November 6 (UEFA Cup) - A stunning strike by substitute Ronaldinho saw AC Milan snatch a last-gasp win over Braga in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.
Ronaldinho, who had replaced Alexandre Pato in the 63rd minute, unleashed an unstoppable injury-time winner to send his side to the top of Group E and break brave Braga hearts.
Braga, who deserved at least a point from the clash, are now three points behind the Rossoneri, who have a 100% record after two games.
Milan, top of the Serie A standings for the first time in four years, almost got off to the perfect start when Filippo Inzaghi headed inches wide of the right-hand post from six yards with less than four minutes on the clock.
Andriy Shevchenko and Pato also went close for the Rossoneri in the early exchanges, while Wason Renteria almost netted twice for Braga in the opening 10 minutes.
Braga have won all seven of their matches in Europe this season and had the best chance of the half after 28 minutes when Milan goalkeeper Dida pulled off a stunning save to keep out Cesar Peixoto's point-blank strike.
Either side could have gone in front before during a lively end to the half, with Peixoto going close with a 30-yard screamer that flew narrowly wide of the left post.
Both teams were straight on the attack after the interval and Milan could have taken a quick lead but Shevchenko's diagonal shot from the edge of the area sailed wide with both Pato and Inzaghi screaming for the ball.
Renteria went close to breaking the deadlock on the hour mark but he sent his effort inches wide of the left hand post from just outside the area.
Substitute Clarence Seedorf almost gave Milan the lead in stunning fashion in the 77th minute as he dribbled his way past three defenders and into the area before unleashing a shot which was deflected out by Moises.
Just as both sides were resigning themselves to a point, a cross from the left was flicked towards Ronaldinho by Gennaro Gattuso and the Brazilian unleashed a stunning shot into the top-left corner from outside the area.
AC Milan 1 - 0 Braga