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On this day in 2008, Arsenal created Champions League history with late win inspired by Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor

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Arsenal have enjoyed many historic Champions League victories in their time in the competition without ever going on to win the tournament.

Mikel Arteta’s current side face a tricky last-16 clash in the Netherlands and opponents PSV Eindhoven have embarrassed Arsenal before in the competition.

That was a night to forget at the Emirates Stadium however, there have been better moments for the Gunners in Europe – Arsenal have produced some memorable Champions League wins.

One of those victories was a record-breaking night in Milan, where Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor were the heroes in a famous result for Arsene Wenger’s team.

AC Milan v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Arsenal beat AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro in March 2008

Arsenal became the first English side ever to beat AC Milan at the San Siro in March 2008 as they won 2-0 to reach the quarter-final of the Champions League.

Having drawn the first leg 0-0 in London, the game was on a knife edge before Fabregas struck from long range and Adebayor sealed the win in stoppage time.

Arsenal’s defence was resolute on the night against a star-studded Milan side that included the likes of Kaka, Andrea Pirlo and Paolo Maldini.

Wenger’s men went on to lose the quarter-final tie to Liverpool after a thrilling second leg at Anfield saw them defeated 4-2 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate.

Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s performance against AC Milan

Speaking to his post-match press conference following Arsenal’s historic victory over Milan, Wenger was immensely proud of the performance of his team.

Wenger stated: “I am immensely proud of the players tonight because we were a little bit under pressure coming into the game because we have dropped points recently but it didn’t affect us.”

Theo Walcott in action during AC Milan v Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League clash.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Should the Gunners want to finally win Europe’s most elite competition, they will need to produce many more fine away performances such as the one in Italy.

It was the perfect balance of tenacious defending whilst carrying a deadly threat on the counterattack, of course, sprinkled with some magic from Cesc Fabregas.