Milan show strengths and weaknesses in qualifying

Milan made it to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-2 win over Germany's Schalke 04 on Tuesday but the manner in which they did so told much of the strengths and weaknesses of Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Milan ended top of Group E but given the tight balance of the group, had Schalke scored in the nervous final 25 minutes a 3-3 result would have eliminated the six-times European champions.

Ancelotti chose to focus on the positives after the win: "The reality is that Milan are in the last 16 and there has to be a reason for that.

"The team responded well to the defeat at Chievo on Saturday. We have gone through in first place and we will be contenders this season as we have been in the last three years," he said.

Milan won the competition in 2003 and were beaten finalists last season, losing to Liverpool on penalties after leading 3-0 at half-time.

The reason Milan are indeed contenders again despite failing to beat PSV over two games and drawing away to Schalke before Tuesday's narrow win is their attacking quality.

Two goals from Brazilian Kaka, lively and inventive throughout, and yet another magnificent free-kick from set-piece specialist Andrea Pirlo were the highlights of Milan's display.

Andriy Shevchenko's constant movement and intelligence were a reminder of the contribution the Ukrainian can make to the side even when he fails to get on the scoresheet.

It was a game made for Gennaro Gattuso, the tigerish midfielder whose aggression made sure that Milan more than matched the Germans physically in midfield although the Italy international was lucky to get through the 90 minutes with only a yellow card after some stern challenges.

But it is Milan's backline which continues to be their weak point.

Admittedly Cafu was missing and captain Paolo Maldini limped off in the first half but a central pairing of Alessandro Nesta and Jaap Stam would still be the envy of most clubs.

Yet, Milan never looked secure against the Schalke attack and, as several Serie A teams have exposed this season, they are surprisingly weak at dead-ball situations.