Milan scoop Super Cup

The champions of Europe took on the Uefa Cup winners at Monaco's Stade Louis II ground in the glitzy curtain raiser to the new European season.

The Italians had the better of the contest and it was no surprise that Ukrainian international striker Andrei Shevchenko was the man who got the vital winner for Milan.

Carlo Ancelotti's side started brighter and put the Portuguese outfit under pressure immediately, and the expected goal came after just ten minutes of play.

Manuel Rui Costa steamed down the right before putting in the cross for Shevchenko to fire in a powerful header to put Milan ahead.

Porto newboy Benni McCarthy failed to make a real impact on the game and his departure on the hour signalled the end of their menace, and Milan held on for a record victory.

The Italians have now scooped four Super Cups from their six appearances and added the trophy to their Champions League victory last May.

It was fitting that Shevchenko was also the match-winner after he scored the vital penalty at Old Trafford to hand them the Champions League.