AC Milan's Gattuso argues with Tottenham Hotspur's first team coach Jordan next to manager Redknapp during their Champions League soccer match in Milan.
AC Milan's Gattuso argues with Tottenham Hotspur's first team coach Jordan next to manager Redknapp during their Champions League soccer match in Milan. Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur stunned AC Milan at the San Siro with a memorable 1-0 victory, thanks to Peter Crouch's 80th minute goal in the first-leg of the Champions League last-16 round.

Importantly, Spurs secured the all-important away goal, which gives them the upper hand going into the second leg at White Hart Lane.

Though Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said he wouldn't alter his side's approach to the game, he picked Steven Pienaar to Niko Kranjcar as the South African offers that bit more in defence, while also opting for two holding midfielders in Wilson Palacios and Sandro.

In an event-filled encounter, Tottenham exploded into the game, having a penalty appeal denied and winning a corner all within the first two minutes. A cross from the left seemed to strike Alessandro Nesta's arm, but penalty appeals were waved away by French referee Stephane Lannoy.

Crouch's presence troubled the Milan rearguard, and their keeper Abbiati had to come out and punch the ball clear on a number of occasions. On one such challenge with Crouch, Abbiati suffered a concussion to his head and was substituted for Amelia.

Spurs failed test the reserve keeper in the first half though, as Milan gradually ventured forward. The Italian leaders had their own penalty appeal denied when Ibrahimovic was seemingly brought down by Sandro, but the referee waved play on.

The first half passed without many clear-cut chances on goal. The game changed in the second half when Milan manager Allegri brought on Pato for Seedorf. Milan looked more aggressive and hungry, but Flamini mistook aggressiveness for recklessness on 55 minutes when he clattered into a two-footed lunge on Corluka. He got of lightly with a yellow card though, as Corluka was stretchered off and later seen in crutches.

Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes then had to conjure two excellent saves from Mario Yepes before Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso lost his cool and pushed Tottenham assistant manager Joe Jordan on the face.

Tempers were on the boil, as ugly tackles began flying in all over. Gattuso then had an altercation with Crouch, twice in a minute. It seemed the Milan captain was having trouble keeping his emotions in check and it was no surprise when he got carded for a tackle on Pienaar. He remonstrated by wildly punching the ground. However, the card means that he will miss the second leg at White Hart Lane.

The goal came soon after as Milan pushed on, leaving themselves susceptible to a counter. Aaron Lennon found himself with the ball in the Spurs half with yards of space to run onto. He charged forward with searing pace, got past Yepes with a quick burst before squaring for the waiting Crouch who smashed in first time.

Milan pushed for an equalizer and almost scored one in injury time when Ibrahimovic volleyed in, but was found guilty of fouling Dawson in the process. Spurs hung on for a famous victory and will have their task mapped out for the second leg.

After the final whistle, the ugly scenes continued with Joe Jordan and Gattuso again clashing with the Milan midfielder appearing to head-butt the Spurs assistant manager, before they were eventually pulled apart.

Elsewhere, veteran Raul scored his 71st goal in the European Competition to equalize Roberto Soldado's opener for Valencia as visitors Shalke settled for a 1-1 draw with the crucial away goal.