Younger BVB fans could not believe their eyes, whilst old-timers recalled the amazing 5-0 win over Benfica in 1963. Sensationally, but utterly deservedly, Dortmund put AC Milan to the sword in the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final. The six-time European, three-time World champion club was simply swept away. Undoubted star of this historic evening was Marcio Amoroso with a hat trick (8th, 34th and 39th minutes). It was almost all over by half-time but just to be sure Heinrich added a fourth after 63 minutes. It was not just the result, but the manner of it that so impressed as the Italian legends were demolished with Amoroso, Ewerthon and Dede lighting up the evening for the 52,000 fans with wonderful football.

The four-goal cushion was much needed for the return leg did not go so smoothly fourteen days later. Indeed, an Inzaghi penalty in time added on brought the home side to within a goal of levelling before Lars Ricken shot home to secure Borussia’s place in the Final in Rotterdam.