The hero of AC Milan's 2-0 triumph over Bayern Munich, Clarence Seedorf, said Thursday that semi-final opponents Manchester United are the "biggest challenge" his side has faced in the Champions League so far.
But the Dutch international also stressed that Milan are equal to the test presented by the team who destroyed Serie A rivals AS Roma 7-1 Tuesday.
"Manchester are definitely the biggest challenge. They have great players, they are trained by a great coach in Alex Ferguson and I predicted beforehand we would meet at this stage," Seedorf told ANSA.
"But the way we are playing at the moment and with the formation we used against Bayern, we can beat them".
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti advanced Seedorf to his preferred 'trequartista' position, in the hole behind the forwards, for Wednesday's must-win clash in Bavaria.
The tactical change enabled the 30-year-old midfielder to produce a match-winning performance.
He scored Milan's opener with thunderous shot from the edge of the area, set up the second for Filippo Inzaghi with a delightful flick and menaced the German defence throughout.
"We have an advantage playing Manchester away in the first leg and our defence has shown that we can face the challenge of Cristiano Ronaldo and company," the Surinam-born star continued.
He also recalled that Milan eliminated the Red Devils in the first knock-out round of the competition in 2005 on their way to the final.
"Manchester United should certainly recall Milan from a few years ago, even though they are a different team now," he said.
Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax (1995), Real Madrid (1998) and Milan (2003).
Wednesday's victory enabled the six-time European champions to reach the Champions League semi for the third consecutive year.
What's more, it is the fourth time in the last five seasons Milan have got to this stage.
Other members of the side also said that they were undaunted by the prospect of facing Roma's tormentors.
"We're not scared of Manchester United," said Italy defender Alessandro Nesta.
"They are a good team, but we have beaten them in the past - why shouldn't we beat them again?"
The first leg of Milan's semi-final against Manchester United is away at Old Trafford on April 24.
The return at Milan's San Siro Stadium is on May 2.
