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Two goals from Filippo Inzaghi were enough for Milan to record their first ever Champions League victory over Marseille at a rain soaked Stade Velodrome.

The veteran striker was on the mark once in each half to punish Marseille, whose slack marking cost them dear despite controlling the game for long periods, particularly in the second period.

The star of the show for Milan on a tricky night for skilful football was Clarence Seedorf, whose precise touches set up both goals for Inzaghi.

As the rain poured down, the game was an end to end affair for the opening 25 minutes, but with few if any goalscoring opportunities for either team.

Inzaghi changed all that just before the half hour mark when he found himself unmarked at the far post to slot home the opener for Milan and his 43rd Champions League goal.

It came after good work down the left from Alexandre Pato, whose pass found the evergreen Clarence Seedorf who produced a masterly chip to Inzahgi that just eluded the heads of the Marseille defenders and the Italy international couldn't miss from two yards out.

Pato had the next clear chance of the half when after 36 minutes the 20-year-old also found acres of space in the Marseille penalty box to connect with a great cross from Massimo Oddo, however Pato was unable to find a telling touch and opportunity went begging.

Milan were creating all of the best openings and Inzaghi will be disappointed about missing a 39th minute opportunity when once again unmarked right in front of goal.

The Italian team were awarded a free kick after Souleymane Diawara brought down Pato and the left wing delivery was perfect for Inzaghi, but he failed to get enough on his header.

On the stroke of half time Marco Storari was called into action to save from Benoit Cheyrou and after the interval Marseille continued in that vein, equalising with five second half minutes gone.

The hosts could have scored moments earlier when Lucho Gonzalez volleyed narrowly wide, but when Milan conceded a free kick moments later, Gabriel Heinze outjumped Oddo to head through the legs of Storari.

Marseille looked as if they would take the lead in the match during a 25 minute spell where they attacked the Milan rearguard time and time again, but neither Taye Taiwo, Lucho or Mamadou Niang could add the finishing touch.

Inzaghi stole the points with virtually Milan's first attack of the half when a free kick found Seedorf, whose delightful touch was perfect for Inzaghi, who poked home from close range.

Marseille continued to press, but Milan closed the match out in typical fashion to record their first Champions League win over the French side in four attempts.

Sean Calvert / Eurosport