Carlo Ancelotti admits he was surprised by Shakhtar Donetsk's approach.
Carlo Ancelotti admits he was surprised by Shakhtar Donetsk's approach as Milan kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a victory.Clarence Seedorf struck the only goal in Ukraine with six minutes remaining as the hosts finished the game with ten men.
Ancelotti concedes Darijo Srna's dismissal aided the Serie A champions who harshly inflicted defeat on Shakhtar.
"I think, for us, it has been a really complicated evening against a really hard opponent," said Ancelotti.
"Anyway, we have had the will to play until the end.
"Shakhtar surprised us because they were really aggressive, then we entered the match and we have had important chances.
"Certainly the red card for them helped us a lot and we have been able to obtain three heavy points."
Shakhtar midfielder Francesco Matuzalem, who previously played for Brescia, felt his side acquitted themselves well against Milan.
"We began well, creating several chances," he said.
"We have prepared for this game well, we knew how Milan played. It has been perfect except for the goal at the end.
"Patience is the word for us and that's to say we will think of the next game."
