Deportivo dream the impossible dream

Deportivo Coruna followed in the footsteps of Monaco by pulling off a stunning Champions League upset, overturning a 4-1 first…

Deportivo Coruna followed in the footsteps of Monaco by pulling off a stunning Champions League upset, overturning a 4-1 first-leg deficit to knock out holders and hot favourites AC Milan.

Monaco came from 4-2 down to oust Real Madrid on Tuesday but Depor's performance was even more impressive as they became the first team in the 11-year history of the Champions League to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit, incredibly winning 4-0 for a 5-4 aggregate success.

Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani shot home the opener after five minutes, an unmarked Juan Carlos Valeron headed the second in the 35th and the impressive Albert Luque then ran through a ragged Milan defence to blast in the third a minute before the break.

Six-times winners Milan had not conceded an away goal in the competition this season but they shipped a fourth in the 76th minute when substitute Fran's shot was deflected beyond Dida to send the Spaniards into the semi-finals for the first time.

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They are joined in the last four by Uefa Cup holders Porto who eased into the semi-finals with a 2-2 draw at Olympique Lyon thanks to a brace from Maniche Ribeiro.

The win completed a 4-2 aggregate success and set up a semi-final against Coruna.

Maniche fired high into the net after only six minutes from Deco Souza's clever pass to open the scoring.

Peguy Luyindula equalised for Lyon eight minutes later but Maniche's volleyed finish from another Deco pass two minutes after the break killed the tie.

Lyon had Brazilian defender Edmilson sent off 16 minutes from time before his compatriot Giovane Elber scored a late consolation equaliser.