LuNo

The Big Picture '08

The Big Picture '08

Depor Made It Hard For Us - Raul Real Madrid captain Raul was disappointed with his side's inability to break down a well-manned Deportivo side, but insisted the title race is still in their hands... Madrid were disappointing from start to finish at the Riazor this evening, as they have now gone without a win in Galicia in over 17 years. With Deportivo putting everyone behind the ball, los Merengues looked absolutely clueless when it came to breaking down the backline, extremely stunted creatively, lacking width and killer instinct in front of goal. Indeed on the counterattack the once SuperDepor bagged all three points when Pepe was practically forced to turn a Lafita cross into his own goal, and could perhaps count himself a shade unlucky. The Negative The list of poor performers is lengthy — and indeed Raul wisely decided against naming any names — but had no problem admitting his side quite simply were not good enough on the night, particularly in the first half. “We were weak in the first half and had more possession in the second, but we just didn't have a clear path to the box," he moaned. "We didn't have many opportunities even though we played with the same intensity as in other matches. "They really made it hard for us and they were very dangerous when counterattacking. They had a lot of men in defense, which prevented us from reaching their goal." The Positive He was, perhaps rightly, keen to end on a positive note, reminding one and all that in the worst case scenario they still finish this weekend five points clear of Barcelona in second place. Barca have a tricky tie themselves, heading to Almeria — the same place where Real Madrid's current slump began. The captain was keen to highlight that there are just four away games left of the final ten to play, and with most of the big games coming at home, on paper, los Blancos will still be hopeful they can win back to back Liga titles and end the season with some silverware. "We have to keep in mind that there are ten matches left and that we still have a significant lead," he said. "We cannot think about the past. We have six home matches and four road matches left, so we really depend on ourselves, our points, and our results."

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

old pics

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

Player Ratings: Roma 2-1 Milan Late goals from Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic cancelled out Kaká's opener to give Roma a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Kalac 3.5 – Hard to be positive here. Looked nervous throughout, didn’t command his box, was dodgy with clearances and probably shouldn’t have let Vucinic beat him at his near post. Oddo 6 – Awful before the break with unconvincing defending and disappointing crosses, but far more assured in the second half and gave a superb assist for the goal. Less to blame for the late mistakes than the rest of the back line. Maldini 6.5 – Had an outstanding game, commanding at the back and ruthless going forward – only to then play a leading role in the late collapse. Kaladze 4.5 – It’s clear the Georgian isn’t yet on top form – looked very fragile in the first half and his indecision proved costly at the end. Favalli 5.5 – Looked fairly comfortable at the back and got forward well but things changed with the emergence of Giuly. Gattuso 5.5 – Struggled to stamp his authority on this game. Pirlo 6 – Wasteful with his own chances but delivered some terrific passes, not least in the build-up to the goal. Ambrosini 5 – Clearly a loser in the battle of the midfield Kaka 6.5 – Sloppy at times, brilliant at others. Got the goal and always carried a threat. Seedorf 7 – Probably Milan’s best player even though he squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. Things fell apart only when he was subbed. Pato 5.5 – Poor final balls didn’t help his cause but then he didn’t make use of what he was given either. Terrible dive. Substitutes 72mins Emerson (NA); 85mins Gilardino (NA); 88mins Paloschi (NA)

Fabio's beautiful kids

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

Player Ratings: Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid Deportivo produced an impressive performance as they extended Real Madrid's run without a victory in Riazor to 18 years. The visitors forward line offered very little, while the resurgence in their hosts continued as they looked confident and decisive, even if they did need an own goal to win. Goal.com has judged every player and dished out marks out of ten. Casillas 6 - Did not have a huge amount to do and was helpless for the goal that came out of nowhere to beat him, Torres 5.5 - Madrid's defence were not there weak point and the right-back looked as ragged as anyone. Was repeatedly skinned by Lafita, and should have stopped Filipe before the goal. Heinze - 5.5 - The same goes for the left-back as he even went forward in order to help, although made little impact at that end. Pepe 6.5 - The own goal was a shame for the defender as he had not played badly, and even ventured forward. Cannavaro 6.5 - Maintained his position and stood firm whenever the home team broke away and cannot be blamed for the defeat. Diarra 6 - Was given the task of protecting the back four and, in the main, achieved that without much fuss. His passing, however, remains a huge problem. Guti 4 - Was not on form and looked lethargic. Gave too many balls away, and never once bothered to do something about it. On nights when his passing deserts him, he looks a real liability. Drenthe 6.5 - An industrious first half, but all theat hustle and bustle rarely made an impact on the Depor defence. But he was trying ever so hard, unlike some of his teammates. Sneijder 5.5 - Also did very little impress and his long range shot that went well wide in the second half summed up his display. Absolutely no imagination. Raul 4.5 - Virtually anonymous up front. Whether that was because of his own performance or because of a lack of service is open to debate. Soldado 4.5 - At least looked to involve himself, but in all honesty neither forward created anything for themselves. Subs Robinho 5.5 - Has helped Madrid in sticky situations before, but did nothing to help here even though he looked lively. Baptista 5.5 - Came on and appeared to quickly become frustrated with the lack of movement and space up front. Higuain 5 - Came on did virtually nothing to help turn around Madrid's fortunes on a night when nobody really stood out.

KAKA AND SEEDORF'S CONDITIONS MILAN - Ricky Kaka has a problem to his back, which forced him to leave the pitch before the end of Roma-Milan: the entity of the injury and the Brazilian's conditions will be evaluated in the next few days. The same goes for Clarence Seedorf: he has a problem to his left thigh.

KAKA AND SEEDORF'S CONDITIONS MILAN - Ricky Kaka has a problem to his back, which forced him to leave the pitch before the end of Roma-Milan: the entity of the injury and the Brazilian's conditions will be evaluated in the next few days. The same goes for Clarence Seedorf: he has a problem to his left thigh.

AS Roma 2:1 AC Milan - match report Scorers: Kaka 56', Giuly 78', Vucinic 81' Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic overturned Kaka's goal in three minutes for Roma's 2-1 victory over Milan. There was a great deal at stake at the Olimpico, as the Giallorossi needed to keep up the pressure on Inter and the visitors had to maintain their race for a top four finish. Gennaro Gattuso returned from suspension, but Alessandro Nesta, Nelson Dida, Serginho, Marek Jankulovski, Ronaldo, Pippo Inzaghi and former Roma hero Marcos Cafu didn't make the trip. This meant Carlo Ancelotti - an ex-Giallorossi hero as a player - was able to field a Christmas Tree formation. Christian Panucci performed a perfectly-timed challenge to tackle Kaka in the box, while Giuseppe Favalli had to clear for a corner when a dangerous Amantino Mancini cross found the Milan defence unprepared. Zeljko Kalac's poor clearance was straight at Simone Perrotta and risked giving away a goal, but 30 seconds later Alexandre Pato's chipped cross was just too high for Clarence Seedorf. The first real chance was on 25 minutes when De Rossi's cross was flicked on by Totti and Mancini's acrobatic scissor-kick was over the bar. Moments later Milan threatened too, as Seedorf went past two defenders and Alexandre Doni plucked Kaka's header out of the air. Totti found space from nine yards on a chipped Rodrigo Taddei pass over the defence, but flashed his shot across the face of goal. Seedorf dribbled past four defenders to enter the area, but eventually Taddei managed to cut off his path as the last man with a crucial intervention. Kaka nodded a Favalli cross wide of the far post. Totti rolled back for the unmarked David Pizarro, but his scuffed shot and a Juan attempted deflection were off target. Max Tonetto's cross from the left was a couple of inches too high for Totti to connect a header from six yards in first half stoppages. At the half-time whistle Totti and Luciano Spalletti were furious, as a corner was halted for an irregularity. Straight after the restart Seedorf slipped a pass through the crowd of defenders for Kaka, but the Brazilian had a powerful effort parried from seven yards by one strong Doni hand. Moments later Doni was again called into action with a low one-handed save at the near post on Seedorf, as Milan were far more aggressive in the second half. Milan were piling on the pressure and opened the scoring on 56 minutes. Massimo Oddo had acres of space down the right channel to run onto Andrea Pirlo's pass and crossed for Kaka to smash under the bar from eight yards with the inside of his left foot. Totti had a great chance to equalise, but the move was halted for an evident handling offence. The Rossoneri really should have been 2-0 up on the hour mark. Seedorf combined brilliantly with Pato and the Dutchman squirmed past Doni, but lost his footing from that challenge and Cicinho was able to get back for a goalline clearance. Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vucinic were introduced to spice up the Roma attack, but Milan kept pushing and Pirlo's pass over the defence found Kaka totally unmarked for a half-volley that Doni palmed over the bar. Zeljko Kalac smothered a Vucinic snapshot, but on the counter Pato skipped past Juan and jumped over Doni, earning only a booking for simulation. Emerson replaced Seedorf and was greeted with jeers by the Roma crowd, as he had left the club controversially to join rivals Juventus. Totti's backheel sent Vucinic clear and he fired over, while Pato selfishly went for goal. Roma equalised in chaotic circumstances 12 minutes from time. The ball ricocheted around and Perrotta eventually managed to thread a pass through for the utterly unmarked Giuly to volley in from eight yards. Paolo Maldini's challenge prevented Perrotta from giving them the lead 60 seconds later, but Vucinic turned the game around completely! He sprung the offside trap on a De Rossi ball from the right to slide an angled drive past Kalac. It wasn't over yet and Totti's lob was just too wide and it was end to end stuff in these final minutes. There was more bad news for the Rossoneri, as Kaka pulled up with lower back pain, something that has been troubling him for some time. Kalac saved from Giuly and Totti didn't get enough power to a header from Vucinic's cross, but in stoppages Milan players were queuing up and couldn't make contact with Oddo and Pirlo crosses, as Alberto Gilardino took it off Alberto Paloschi's head. The last kick of the game was a Pirlo free kick over the bar. Roma: Doni; Cicinho, Panucci, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro (Giuly 62); Taddei (Aquilani 72), Perrotta, Mancini (Vucinic 56); Totti Milan: Kalac; Oddo, Maldini, Kaladze, Favalli; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Gilardino 85); Kakà (Paloschi 87), Seedorf (Emerson 72); Pato