AC Milan move closer to Champions League last 16.
AC Milan 1 - 0 Girona
Rafael Leão's first-half strike secured AC Milan a vital win over Girona, moving the Italian side closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.
The Portuguese forward expertly controlled Ismaël Bennacer's precise through ball, weaved his way into the box, and unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner – the only goal of the match.
Girona thought they had equalised just before the hour mark when Bryan Gil fired in a stunning effort from the edge of the area, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Leão had a chance to double his tally in the 65th minute, but his curling effort drifted wide of Paulo Gazzaniga’s post.
Milan now sit sixth in the table with 15 points, occupying one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the knockout stage. They face Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia next week.
Meanwhile, Girona remain on three points and are out of contention for the play-off stage.
A closer look at what happened
Girona had their moments to draw level, but AC Milan also squandered opportunities to make the game more comfortable. The priority, however, was securing the three points and a clean sheet – the first under Sergio Conceição's management.
The victory marks Milan’s fifth consecutive Champions League win, lifting them to sixth in the table. A draw against Dinamo Zagreb next week will likely be enough to guarantee direct qualification for the last 16.
Conceição made a couple of changes to the starting line-up following the weekend defeat to Juventus. Strahinja Pavlović stepped in for the suspended Fikayo Tomori, while Álvaro Morata returned to lead the attack. However, an early setback struck just minutes into the game when Emerson Royal pulled up chasing Bryan Gil. He was replaced by Davide Calabria.
Milan could have taken an early lead during a frantic opening spell. Rafael Leão picked out Yunus Musah with a perfectly weighted pass down the right, and though Musah controlled it well and evaded a sliding tackle, he opted to square the ball instead of going for goal himself.
Theo Hernández then had an even better opportunity in the 24th minute. Leão once again surged down the left and laid the ball off perfectly for his teammate, but Hernández somehow struck the bar from close range.
Musah, after hesitating earlier, unleashed a 20-yard drive that smashed against the inside of the post but refused to cross the line. Moments later, Mike Maignan was called into action, making a superb save to deny Donny van de Beek, who had broken free in the box.
Milan v Girona Champions League highlights youtu.be/YBWdo1B2_lQ?...
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The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute, thanks to Ismaël Bennacer’s determined counter-press. Winning the ball in midfield, Bennacer played a perfectly timed pass to Leão, who looked to have overrun it. However, the Portuguese star regained control, cut back onto his left foot, and rifled the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
It was a goal that reflected Milan’s persistence and ultimately proved decisive in a hard-fought win.
