London, Oct 24: Defending champion AC Milan was upset 1-0 by FC Brugge in the Champions League, while English powerhouse Manchester United and nine-time winner Real Madrid both won. Another Italian team, Lazio, lost to Chelsea 2-1 after taking an early lead Wednesday.
AC Milan, which beat Juventus on penalties in last year's final, was the heavy favourite at home. But Andres Mendoza gave Brugge a 33rd-minute lead, and the red-and-black couldn't break down the visitors' defense.
"It wasn't a very great Milan (Wednesday night), but we had plenty of opportunities. We just weren't able to finish them off," Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "A loss like this can happen in soccer."
AC Milan fell to second in Group H after four-time tournament winner Ajax downed Celta de Vigo 1-0 on a goal by Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 53rd minute. Ajax 'keeper Bogdan Lobont made several good saves for the shutout.
"We have to be happy with this win, despite the problems," said Ajax coach Ronald Koeman. "If you don't have a lot of chances you have to make a few pay, and that's what we did."



Ajax has six points, two more than Milan.


Bureau Report