AC Milan’s UEFA Champions League campaign took another step forward as they secured a 2-1 win against Crvena Zvezda at the iconic San Siro. Despite a tough battle, the Rossoneri came from behind to claim three vital points, ensuring their place in the play-off spots. Crvena Zvezda, on the other hand, are now facing an uphill battle to progress to the knockout stages after this narrow defeat.
The First Half: Milan’s Struggles in Front of Goal
From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were desperate for a win. Crvena Zvezda, knowing the importance of this match in their quest for a knockout round spot, were resolute in defence, making it difficult for AC Milan to find their rhythm. The hosts dominated possession but lacked the sharpness to convert it into clear chances.
Tijjani Reijnders had Milan’s first shot on target, but it was weak and easily dealt with by Crvena Zvezda goalkeeper Ivan Guteša. Rafael Leão followed up with a powerful effort, but Guteša produced a superb save to deny the winger. Milan’s frustrations grew as they struggled to break down the visitors’ defence.
In contrast, Crvena Zvezda showed flashes of danger. Andrija Maksimović had a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead, but his shot from the centre of the box rattled the crossbar, much to the relief of AC Milan fans. The first half continued in a stalemate, with neither team able to find a breakthrough until the dying moments of the half.
Milan Breakthrough: Leão’s Moment of Magic
Just when it seemed like the teams would head into the break at 0-0, AC Milan found their moment of inspiration. A well-executed long ball from Youssouf Fofana sailed over the Crvena Zvezda defence and found Leão in space. The Portuguese forward controlled the ball beautifully before firing it past Guteša to give Milan a 1-0 lead. The goal was a testament to Milan’s attacking quality and Leão’s class, leaving the visitors with plenty to think about at halftime.
The Second Half: Crvena Zvezda Fights Back
The second half saw a more determined Crvena Zvezda side take to the pitch. The visitors came out swinging, and their pressure paid off as they tested Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan early on. Ognjen Mimović and Timi Elšnik both forced saves from the Frenchman, keeping Milan’s lead intact.
Just as Milan looked to be seeing out the game, Crvena Zvezda had a moment of brilliance. Nemanja Radonjić intercepted a pass outside the box, hesitated for a split second, and then unleashed a powerful strike past Maignan to level the scores at 1-1. It was a well-taken goal that brought renewed hope for the Serbian side, but Milan weren’t ready to give up just yet.
Late Drama: Tammy Abraham Seals the Win for Milan
The final stages of the match were filled with drama. AC Milan, who had struggled to find the target in the second half, almost sealed the win when Emerson Royal’s shot was saved by Guteša in the 84th minute. With time running out, it seemed like Milan would have to settle for a draw.
However, in the dying moments of the match, Tammy Abraham became the hero. A rebound off the crossbar fell to his feet, and the striker showed quick instincts to bundle the ball over the line, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Milan. It was a cruel blow for Crvena Zvezda, who had fought valiantly but were ultimately undone by a last-minute goal.
What This Win Means for AC Milan
This victory moves AC Milan to 12th in the league phase table, putting them in a strong position to secure a place in the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League. The win was crucial for their progression, and with two games left, Milan will be confident of finishing strong in the group stage.
For Crvena Zvezda, however, this loss leaves them with a tough challenge ahead. They now find themselves five points adrift of the play-off spots with only two matches remaining. It’s not impossible for them to turn things around, but they will need a near-perfect finish to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
AC Milan: A Team to Watch in the UCL
With a 2-1 win under their belt, AC Milan has shown that they are a team to be reckoned with in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Despite some early struggles, they showed resilience and class when it mattered most, earning all three points in a match full of drama and excitement.
As the Champions League group stage reaches its climax, fans can expect more thrilling encounters from Milan and other top teams vying for a spot in the knockout rounds. For those looking to place bets on exciting UEFA Champions League matches, BangSports is your go-to platform for the best odds and promotions in Kenya and beyond.
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