Kaká couldn’t prevent AC Milan crashing out of the Champions League yesterday evening 5-1 on aggregate to Atlético Madrid but did create some Brazilian history at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.
Another player born in Brazil was the match winner, Diego Costa scoring twice, but it was the 31-year-old who grabbed some of the limelight in the 27th minute.
The Milan captain headed into the back of the net to level the game on the night and in the process score his 30th goal in Europe’s elite club competition.
That goal made him the first Brazilian to reach 30 goals in the Champions League and extended his lead over the likes of Rivaldo, Mário Jardel, Giovane Élber and Romário.
He might have had goal 31 a couple of minutes later but that time he headed over the bar and Milan eventually were knocked out.
Although disappointment overall, the milestone is certainly one which Kaká can look on with fondness and he’ll hope to continue extending that record in the future.
If he stays with Milan next season though it is almost certain that he won’t be playing in Europe’s elite competition as the Rossoneri are set to miss out on a top three finish in Serie A.
For the time being though, the 31-year-old can reflect on his achievement whilst trying to help Milan salvage their disappointing season.
