Dida saves day for Milan

Champions League holders AC Milan began their defence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ajax at the San Siro.

Filippo Inzaghi sealed the points with a superb 67th-minute decider but the home side were reduced to 10 men when Rene Gattuso was sent off and then were grateful for a last-gasp save from goalkeeper Dida.

'Dida's save was fundamental because Ajax are the best team in the group, along with us,' said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Nine-man Club Brugge hung on for a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in the other game in Group H. The Belgian side had Peruvian winger Andres Mendoza sent off before Juanfran put Celta ahead.

But substitute Bengt Saeternes equalised and Brugge held on for a point despite Sandy Martens also being shown the red card.

Jaap Stam's goal inspired Lazio to a 2-0 win over Besiktas in Group G. The former Manchester United defender struck eight minutes before half-time to put the Serie A side ahead and then Stefano Fiore sealed victory 13 minutes from time.

UEFA Cup winners Porto were denied victory away to Partizan Belgrade when Andrija Delibasic levelled for the home side following Francisco Costinha's opener.