AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato was controversially denied a winning goal in the 1-1 home draw with Real Madrid in Champions League Group C on Tuesday.

Striker Karim Benzema put the dominant Spanish side ahead on 29 minutes when he squeezed a close-range effort under Dida, who had first parried a shot from former Milan playmaker Kaka.

Milan, level at the top with Real on seven points from four games, equalised 10 minutes before the break through Ronaldinho's thumping penalty after Pepe slid in on Gianluca Zambrotta and was harshly adjudged to have handled.

Moments later the home side had the ball in the net again but Pato, who scored twice in Milan's 3-2 win at the Bernabeu last month, had his goal ruled out for another debateable handball as he brought down a high pass.

The Brazilian did not protest but an almost full San Siro roared with anger at the officials.

"These things happen. I always believe in the good intentions of the referee," Milan's Brazilian coach Leonardo told a news conference, partly in fluent Spanish.

"It seemed to me it was a normal goal while for the penalty you could say that it was right to give it.

"We are getting better, each game we improve a bit."

KAKA APPLAUDED

The visitors had much the better of the early exchanges, Benzema going close twice and strike partner Gonzalo Higuain scuffing one of several other good chances for Real.

When Milan finally imposed themselves on the game, Pato wasted a decent opportunity and midfielder Massimo Ambrosini headed over before Dida pulled off two fine late saves.

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