Zhirkov Goal Gives Chelsea 2-1 Win Over AC Milan

It was a rare post-game news conference: Both coaches sitting at the same table after a game that both men treated with the utmost importance.

Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov, left, celebrates after scoring a goal with team mates Andriy Shevchenko,...

Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov, left, celebrates after scoring a goal with team mates Andriy Shevchenko, (7), and Didier Drogba in the second half of a World Football Challenge soccer match at M&T Bank Stadium Friday, July 24, 2009 in Baltimore. Chelsea won 2-1. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

(AP)

Fortunately, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo of AC Milan are anything but antagonistic.

Yuri Zhirkov scored the tiebreaking goal in the 69th minute, and Chelsea defeated AC Milan 2-1 Friday night to provide their new coach a satisfying victory over his former team in the World Football Challenge.

"It was a difficult game because Milan played so well," said Ancelotti, who quit as coach of the Italian team in May and promptly signed a three-year contract with Chelsea. "I'm happy for the victory, but we have to improve."

Ancelotti won two Champions League titles and one Serie A championship with AC Milan. During that time he coached Leonardo, who is now the team's coach.

"I lost my voice. I'm not used to being a coach," Leonardo said. "To play against Carlo is very, very special. We're still good friends. That's why it was very special today, this match between two of the best teams in the world."

With the score 1-all, Chelsea fired two close-range kicks at goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac before Zhirkov's low-flying attempt from 19 yards landed in the left corner of the net.

AC Milan had two excellent chances to tie it during stoppage time, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech tipped away one attempt before another shot went wide.

The World Football Challenge is a four-team round robin tournament. Chelsea has also beaten Inter Milan, and AC Milan has also lost to Club America.

Didier Drogba also scored for Chelsea, and Clarence Seedorf had the lone goal for AC Milan.

Oguchi Onyewu, who earlier this month became the first American-born player to sign a contract with AC Milan, entered in the 67th minute. The defender (who's from Olney, Md.) received cheers from many in the sellout crowd of 71,203 at the home stadium of the Baltimore Ravens.