Already 10 points behind Internazionale in Serie A and without a win in the top flight at the San Siro this season, the Rossoneri scored four goals against a Shakhtar side that had won and kept clean sheets in their first two Group D games.

Alberto Gilardino scored with two headers in the first 14 minutes, and Clarence Seedorf added a brace after half-time in the 4-1 win.

"It was a delicate time for us," Ancelotti admitted. "But I know my team well and I know they would have reacted.

"My players did react and we have taken an important win in this round. Now we must start to do things even better than we have."

One player who could be pivotal to their chances in Italy and Europe is striker Gilardino.

"Gilardino had a beautiful game," Ancelotti said. "He is growing and he is recovering his best form."

The result means that Milan, the winners of last season's Champions League, and Shakhtar are level on six points at the top of the group.

The two sides will meet again in Ukraine on November 6.

As for Serie A, Milan will now go into Sunday's game against Roma at the San Siro with renewed confidence.