Dida became the first non-Italian Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year after conceding only 20 goals in 32 appearances in Milan's 2003–04 "Scudetto"-winning season. Though Milan's Champions League repeat bid was ended by Deportivo de La Coruña in the quarter-finals, a highlight of their campaign was during a previous group-stage match against Ajax on 16 September 2003, when Dida blocked a point blank-range shot from Rafael van der Vaart at the end of extra time to preserve Milan's 1–0 win.