History Behind Iconic Champions League Photo From Milan Derby

• AC Milan and Inter Milan have previously treated fans to some epic performances
• However, none stands out like their 2005 Champions League meeting at San Siro
• The Italian giants are scheduled to meet in the semi-finals of this season's UCL

When AC Milan set up a Champions League semi-final clash with rivals, Inter Milan this week, all fans could reflect upon was an iconic photo from the two teams' historic meeting from almost two decades ago.

Milan and Inter set up a crunch UCL semi-final fixture after they progressed from the last eight stages.

The Rossoneri secured a spot in the semis after beating Serie A giants, Napoli 2-1 on aggregate, with Inter seeing off Portuguese giants, Benfica in their own quarter-final fixture.

According to ESPN, the semi-final tie will see the two teams face off five times in a single season for the first time in the history of the Milan derby.

Which are the all time biggest football rivalries in the UK?

Football

History of the Milan clash

The Milan Derby, known in Italian as the Derby di Milano, is not just a mere football match. It is one of the world's biggest and most iconic sporting attractions.

According to Bleacher Report, the rivalry pitting the two teams against each other is also unique due to the many different narratives there have been over the years.

The history of the Milan Derby dates back to the early 20th century, with the first official encounter between the two teams taking place in 1908. AC Milan won that match 2-1.

Since then, the two teams have gone on to face each other in a number of matches, including the Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and even on the continental stage.

The Top 10 Greatest Inter Milan Legends of All Time Ranked

Football

Incredibly, the rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan is not only based on football but also on the cultural and social differences between the fans of the two clubs.

History behind iconic Milan photo

The two Serie A giants have met at the continental stage on a number of occasions. However, the most memorable of their meetings was in 2005, when they faced off in the Champions League.

The Mirror reports that the match produced one of the most iconic photos of the era. After Milan's 2-0 triumph in the first leg, Inter had everything to play for in the return leg at the San Siro Stadium.

However, a goal from Andriy Shevchenko made it 1-0 to the 'away' side, making it 3-0 on aggregate to put the game beyond Inter.

A disallowed goal from Esteban Cambiasso deep in the second half sparked ugly scenes in the stands and led to Inter fans showering Dida with projectiles.

Arsenal show Premier League title strain under Anfield spotlight

Football

With no other option, referee, Markus Merk was left with no option to halt the game with 20 minutes left to play. That moment led to the famous image of Marco Materazzi and Rui Costa amid an ominous red fog.

Juve climbs to third

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Italian giants, Juventus climbing to third place in the Serie A standings after their 15-point deduction was reversed.

The Old Lady were docked a massive amount of points back in January by the Italian Football Federation, over alleged 'financial irregularities'.

However, the Turin-based club breathed a sigh of relief after the decision was reversed by Italian football chiefs, seeing them up from seventh.