In a night of high drama at the Stadion Maksimir, Dinamo Zagreb delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over AC Milan, ending the Italian giants’ six-match winning streak in the UEFA Champions League. However, despite their heroics, the Croatian side saw their dreams of a play-off knockout spot shattered by Club Brugge’s results elsewhere.
Milan’s European Brilliance Halted in Croatia
AC Milan has been a force to reckon with in this season’s Champions League, despite struggling in domestic competitions. Winning six consecutive UCL matches, the Rossoneri looked primed for a seventh victory. But Dinamo Zagreb, knowing only a win would keep their hopes alive, had other plans.
The breakthrough came early in the 19th minute when a costly mistake from Milan defender Matteo Gabbia gifted possession to Martin Baturina. The Dinamo midfielder showed great composure, slotting the ball past Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan to send the home fans into raptures.
It was a moment of irony for Dinamo’s coach, Fabio Cannavaro, a defensive legend in his playing days. Having spent 17 years in Serie A, including a stint at Milan’s fierce rivals Inter, Cannavaro would have relished his side’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.
Musah Sees Red as Milan’s Night Worsens
Things went from bad to worse for Milan in the 38th minute when Yunus Musah was given his marching orders after picking up a controversial second yellow card. The American midfielder appeared livid as he refused to leave the pitch initially, feeling hard done by the referee’s decision. Both bookings seemed soft, but with Milan reduced to ten men, the visitors were staring at an embarrassing defeat.
Dinamo almost doubled their lead when Baturina unselfishly set up Luka Stojković for a simple tap-in, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out due to a handball in the build-up. It was a let-off for Milan, but the warning signs were clear.
Pulisic Rescues Milan Before Pjaca’s Moment of Magic
Just as Milan’s night threatened to collapse entirely, Christian Pulisic produced a moment of brilliance. The American forward picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, with a swift turn, unleashed a powerful shot past Ivan Nevistić in the Dinamo goal. The equalizer in the 41st minute gave Milan hope of another comeback.
However, that hope was short-lived. Marko Pjaca, formerly of Juventus, stunned the visitors with an exquisite finish. The Croatian received the ball, took a touch to set himself, and then rifled a left-footed shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations. Milan had no response, and despite their best efforts, Dinamo held on for a famous victory.
Dinamo’s Painful Exit – What It Means for Milan
Despite this unforgettable triumph, Dinamo Zagreb’s European journey came to an abrupt halt, as Club Brugge’s results ensured they missed out on a play-off spot. Looking back at their campaign, the brutal 9-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich looms as the key moment that cost them dearly.
For AC Milan, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, but their qualification for the knockout rounds remains intact. Sérgio Conceição will be disappointed that his side missed out on a top-eight finish, but considering their poor start to the competition, Milan can take pride in their resilience.
Bet on the UEFA Champions League with BangSports
For those who love the thrill of European football, BangSports offers the best betting experience in the UEFA Champions League. Whether you’re backing the giants like AC Milan or the underdogs like Dinamo Zagreb, BangSports provides high odds, a user-friendly platform, and exciting promotions. Join today and place your bets on the biggest matches in world football!
Final Thoughts
Dinamo Zagreb may have ended AC Milan’s perfect UCL run, but their heartbreak highlights the fine margins of elite football. Milan marches on to the knockouts, while Dinamo will rue their missed chances. As for Kenyan fans, it’s another reminder that in football, anything can happen – and that’s what makes it beautiful.
