DAVID BECKHAM AND AC MILAN HOST MANCHESTER UNITED WHEN THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESUMES TUESDAY ON SETANTA SPORTS CANADA
Live UEFA Champions League round of 16 action continues on Setanta Wednesday, February 17 at 2:15 p.m. ET/ 11:15 a.m. PT when German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich host Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.
The big story-line in the AC Milan versus Manchester United two-match knockout series is David Beckham taking on his old club. The 34-year-old English national began his pro career at Old Trafford with Manchester United in 1992-93 as a teenager. Beckham scored 85 goals for United in 394 appearances. The skilled mid-fielder is currently on loan to AC Milan from MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy.
AC Milan went winless (0-2-1) at their home stadium San Siro during the group stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League. The club’s solid undefeated record on the road (2-1-0) allowed AC Milan to advance after finishing second in Group C behind Real Madrid.
The Serie A club is looking to add to their seven Champions League titles and 11 final appearances. Only Spanish La Liga side Barcelona, with nine, has taken home more UEFA Champions League titles than AC Milan.
Like AC Milan, Manchester United also struggled at home during the Group Stage. The Red Devils only loss in Group B came at Old Trafford when they fell 1-0 to Turkish club Beşiktaş. Despite 1-1-1 record at home, United easily won Group B thanks to an unblemished 3-0-0 mark away from Old Trafford.
Manchester United were dealt a major blow this week when it was confirmed that veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs will miss the first leg of the club’s Champions League match-up with AC Milan and will likely be sidelined for the second leg as well. Giggs fractured his right arm in a collision with Aston Villa’s Steve Sidwell in a Premier League match Wednesday.
The other match-up on Setanta this week pits surprise Group E winners Fiorentina of Serie A versus German Bundesliga powers Bayern Munich. Fiorentina’s last and only appearance in a Champions League final came in 1957 when they lost to Real Madrid. Bayern have won four titles, their last coming in 2001.
