Explore the highlights of AC Milan’s 2-1 triumph against Crvena Zvezda, featuring standout performances from Rafael Leão and Tammy Abraham in this exciting match.
Introduction:
AC Milan’s Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda started with an air of urgency. Milan was keen to take home advantage, with Álvaro Morata spearheading the attack in search of his first Champions League goal for the club. On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda, who had thrashed Stuttgart 5-1 in their last game, arrived at the stadium ready to trouble the hosts.
The match saw Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders show his usual brilliance, attempting an early shot that was comfortably saved by Guteša, Crvena Zvezda’s in-form goalkeeper. Reijnders, a Netherlands international, has been a standout player this season with three of his seven goals coming in the Champions League.
See also: Bukayo Saka Stars as Arsenal Outclasses Monaco 3-0 in UEFA Clash
On the right, Davide Calabria had space to make his runs but is constantly challenged by Felício Milson, whose talent and wit made the Milan defense very nervous.
Near misses characterize the first half.
In the first half of the match, both sides were markedly excellent in attack as well as displaying defensive resilience – Milan had a chance through Rafael Leão’s blistering pace on the left, which Guteša saved with an outstanding reflex.
Moments later, the visitors almost shocked the faithful in San Siro. From a chaotic sequence in Milan’s box, Maksimović’s powerful shot rattled the crossbar. It was a rude wake-up call for the Rossoneri, who had failed to clear their lines.
Crvena Zvezda’s counterattacks remained a thorn in the side of Milan, and Maksimović’s near-goal served as a reminder to their threat. Still, Milan continued to push forward, longing to break the deadlock.
Rafael Leão Broke the Deadlock
A moment of magic from Rafael Leão broke the deadlock. On receiving a diagonal pass from Youssouf Fofana, Leão controlled the ball adroitly with his right foot before unleashing a sublime left-footed finish past Guteša.
This was the second consecutive Champions League strike for Rafael Leão and demonstrated his maturity in goal-scoring situations. His terrific match exhibited him as an indispensable player in Milan’s attacking lineup.
Milan Fighting Back Under Pressure
Despite taking the lead, Milan was under relentless pressure from Crvena Zvezda. Substitute Ivanić made his presence felt immediately as he managed to set up Mimović for a shot that was smartly saved by Mike Maignan at the near post. Ivanić himself came close to scoring with a low drive that went narrowly over the target.
Persistence by the visitors paid off in the 75th minute when Nemanja Radonjić, a fresh substitute, leveled the game with a thunderous left-footed strike. He took the ball away from Musah in a threatening position and shot it which left Maignan with no option but to watch it level the score 1-1.
Tammy Abraham’s Late Heroics
With the match going into the final stages leading to a draw, Milan looked towards Tammy Abraham, who delivered in dramatic fashion. Abraham was in the right place to slot it home when Guteša tipped Camarda’s header onto the crossbar in the 87th minute, with his instinctive finish past two defenders on the line proving to be the decisive moment of the game.
This result has furthered Milan’s goal for an unprecedented fourth straight Champions League triumph and, most important for Abraham, a knack of scoring during big moments.
Important Highlights of the Game
Rafael Leão’s Quality: His goal showcased Leão as a player who changes games in Milan’s favor using technical quality and calmness.
Tammy Abraham’s Contribution: Late-winner by Abraham signifies that he is the backbone of Milan’s attack and scores critical matches for his team.
Crvena Zvezda’s Organization: The Serbian side showed good tactics and attacking flair, especially through Radonjić and Maksimović.
Milan’s Defense: Although it had those nervy moments, the Milan backline did remarkably well under pressure with a couple of crucial saves through Maignan.
A Nail-Biting Milan Win
Milan’s 2-1 win over Crvena Zvezda is a testament to their resilience and quality. The Rossoneri faced a determined opponent that tested them throughout the match. However, individual brilliance from Leão and Abraham ensured Milan’s perfect record in the group stage remained intact.
For Crvena Zvezda, the result was a hard-fought defeat that showcased their potential to challenge Europe’s elite. Their ability to counterattack effectively and remain defensively organized will serve them well in future matches.
Conclusion
This was a real thriller, which summed up the magic of the Champions League, as both teams gave their best to produce moments of brilliance. Milan’s victory not only ensured them of a place in the knockout stages but also stamped them as a serious contender for this year’s competition.
As the Rossoneri celebrate another memorable night at the San Siro, Crvena Zvezda can take pride in a valiant performance that pushed one of Europe’s giants to the limit.