Champions League - AC Milan 3 FC Barcelona 3

A brilliant match brought the best out of Rivaldo whose three goals kept FC Barcelona in the Champions League.

The hat-trick from Rivaldo only emphasised for Milan their problems in the summer transfer market.

The Brazilian star was a serious transfer target for the Italians during the summer and his performance for Barca in an extraordinary game showed Milan what they were missing.

After 18 quiet minutes the game exploded into drama of the highest quality as both teams produced the best European clash of the season so far.

Long range shooting produced two rare goals for Milan stalwart Demetrio Albertini as the Italian giants made the San Siro rock with an excellent fightback.

Rivaldo ignited the evening with a low free kick goal in the 19th minute. The Milan defensive wall was at fault as they jumped in unison allowing the Brazilian's skidding shot through the gap underneath and into the net from 25 metres out.

Barcelona's concentration was then disturbed by a sickening collision between Emmanuel Petit and Philip Cocu. The Dutch player returned some ten minutes after the accidental clash but the French midfielder was stretchered off the field with a neckbrace held in place.

Milan rallied to equalise after the restart when Albertini launched a powerful drive into the net past Richard Dutruel which seemed to take a deflection on its way to the target.

Albertini needed no favours to put Milan in front as he carried the ball and struck a 20 metre shot into the net as the crowd latched onto the greatness of the game.

Rivaldo equalised for Barca when he hit a 20 metre free kick which Christian Abbiati was able to reach with his hand but could only parry onto the crossbar and down behind the line to score.

The Milan fans were ready to settle for the draw at half time after that 43rd minute effort from the Brazilian star but in the dying seconds Oliver Bierhoff hit a snap shot which Dutruel saved but Spanish striker Jose Mari followed up to bury the rebound.

Rivaldo completed his hat trick in the second half when he was on hand to head in a great Sergi cross to the far post,

Barca had efforts to win this game when Rivaldo headed another effort just wide and Dani slammed a powerful drive over the crossbar.