AC Milan just had a 2-1 victory away to Genoa, in a stormy and dramatic match. Two quick second-half goals – one from Rafael Leao and a disastrous own goal from Morten Frendrup – kept the Rossoneri’s top-four hopes alive.
With these 3 points, Milan is still in 9th place with 57 points, 6 points behind Juventus with only 3 rounds left in the season. The chance to participate in the Champions League is still there, but not easy.
Pale stone, awakened at the right time
To be honest, Milan were terrible for most of the game. They started the game with a lack of intensity, playing as if they were just waiting for the game against Bologna. It seemed like the players’ minds were focused on the upcoming Coppa Italia final. But football is not a place for complacency.
“We always try to improve, both individually and as a team,” coach Sergio Conceicao said after the match. “I’m pleased that the players still believe in what we do at Milanello.”
Mike Maignan was the man who kept Milan alive in the first half. The Frenchman made at least three fine saves, while the attack looked almost harmless up front. Near the end of the half, Christian Pulisic almost scored but was denied by Leali from close range.
Genoa opened the score, Milan counterattacked very quickly
In the second half, heavy rain continued to disrupt the match, slowing the pace. However, Genoa surprisingly opened the scoring in the 61st minute, just one minute after striker Vitinha was put on the field. He took advantage of the space in the penalty area to finish accurately after a perfect cross.
But Milan responded quickly and unexpectedly. In the 76th minute, Leao equalized thanks to a combination on the left wing, when Gimenez’s cross hit defender Norton-Cuffy’s foot and changed direction, right to Leao. His shot also hit the defender and changed direction again, leaving Leali helpless.
Just two minutes later, Milan took the lead. Frendrup fumbled a clearance in the box and accidentally put the ball into his own net. It was an unfortunate play, but Milan needn’t have cared – they were ahead.
Conclusion: 3 ugly, but extremely valuable points
Leao almost scored another goal in stoppage time, but Leali denied him with a beautiful diving save. In any case, Milan got what they needed: a win.
Conceicao admitted the team could do better. “In the first half, we kept the ball poorly. The pitch was difficult, the opponent was difficult – but we need to do better. That goal, the whole team could have defended better.”
Milan are not playing well, but their spirit is still there. 3 points away from home, in the pouring rain, could be the catalyst to get them back into the top 4 race. And with Leao, Gimenez and a little luck – they are still alive.
