Milan's Serie A challenge never got going this term due to an eight-point penalty for their part in the match-fixing scandal and the blistering form of city rivals Internazionale.

And so success in Europe's premier club competition has taken on added significance for the six-time winners and 38-year-old Maldini in particular.

The Rossoneri face Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

"The Champions League has been our primary objective for many years now," said Maldini.

"Over the years we have done continuously well in this competition.

"We must give a bit more in the league. We could have done better there but, in the end, we are close to our minimum goal for the season, which is fourth place.

"However, a normal season could be transformed into an extraordinary one thanks to the Champions League dream."

Milan met Bayern in the first knockout round last year with the Italians prevailing 5-2 on aggregate.

Maldini sees no reason why that achievement cannot be repeated, adding: "Bayern are more or less the same side as they were last year and so are we.

"Last year we were doing well in the league and the same goes for this year with the exception of the derby loss to Inter.

"Because of this, I am expecting a game similar to the one last March.

"Playing the first leg at home isn't an advantage, but it isn't something to worry about either."

Milan's side is packed with experience and Maldini believes that could prove crucial.

He said: "We believe in ourselves, not just because of the results but because we are the only side left among the last eight that was also in the running last year.

"Two strong sides in Barcelona and Inter have gone out and the remaining sides are within our range.

"Even they have had problems in the league, like Liverpool and Bayern.

"On top of everything else, we have always done well in the Champions League."

Milan secured a 1-1 draw at Roma on Saturday night and coach Carlo Ancelotti is hoping his side can repeat their second-half display at the Stadio Olimpico.

He said: "We will definitely have to play with a more battling spirit than we did early on against Roma.

"The spirit of the team changed in the second half, the team played very well, there was a vast improvement in the quality of play.

"It will be a totally different game tomorrow. We can't think it is necessary that we have to win at all costs, but we just have to think about playing to the best of our ability to improve our chances of qualifying."

The hosts will be without cup-tied striker Ronaldo, meaning Alberto Gilardino, who scored at the weekend, should get another chance to impress.

Maldini should return to the team after recovering from a knee injury, while Alessandro Nesta is also set to feature.