A Hard-Fought Victory in Turbulent Times
AC Milan’s recent form has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the team dropping out of the Champions League and slipping out of the top four in Serie A. The pressure was mounting as they faced Lecce, a side also struggling, on Saturday. The stakes were high, with the Europa League now a more realistic and immediate goal. Fortunately, this match provided a much-needed opportunity for Milan to get back on track.
Early Frustrations and Setbacks
The game began with an early glimmer of hope for AC Milan when Santiago Gimenez found the net in the first minute. However, the euphoria was short-lived as the goal was ruled offside. Lecce capitalized on this frustration, scoring just six minutes later to take the lead. Milan’s struggles continued as they had another goal disallowed due to a slim offside call. The situation worsened when Lecce’s Krstovic scored his second goal in the 59th minute, putting the Rossoneri two goals behind. Despite these setbacks, Milan did not give up, and the fightback began in earnest.
A Comeback Fueled by Determination
Milan’s resilience shone through in the latter stages of the game. In the 68th minute, an own goal by Lecce’s defender gave Milan a glimmer of hope. Christian Pulisic, who had been involved in most of the dangerous situations, converted a penalty in the 73rd minute to level the scores. His second goal in the 81st minute completed the comeback, securing a 3-2 victory. This win not only brought three much-needed points but also rekindled the fighting spirit that characterized Milan in their early matches under Sergio Conceicao.
Defensive Woes Persist
Despite the positive result, Milan’s defensive issues remain a cause for concern. The backline, comprising Kyle Walker, Matteo Gabbia, and Malick Thiaw, struggled to control Lecce’s attack, with both of the opposition’s goals resulting from significant errors. Walker, while decent, lost a couple of 1v1s and was poor going forward. Gabbia and Thiaw, while not entirely culpable, failed to clear their lines effectively, leading to dangerous chances for Lecce. This performance highlights the need for defensive reinforcements and improvements in the backline.
Theo Hernandez Shows Signs of Improvement
Theo Hernandez, who had been struggling recently, showed signs of his former self against Lecce. He was unlucky not to have two assists, as both goals were disallowed. Despite the setbacks, Theo continued to be a threat in the attack, and his involvement in the game was significant. While his defensive play could have been better, his overall performance was a marked improvement from his recent form. However, it’s clear that he still has a way to go to regain his peak level, which is crucial for Milan’s success.
Midfield Struggles Highlight the Need for Reinforcements
The midfield remains a weak link for AC Milan, with Youssouf Fofana and Yunus Musah not meeting the required standards. Sven Botman, making his debut, showed promise but also had moments of inconsistency. Ryan Reijnders, while capable, has had mixed performances, and his fatigue after numerous minutes of play might be a factor. The inability to control the game against Lecce underscores the need for stronger and more consistent midfielders, a critical area that requires immediate attention in the transfer market.
Pulisic’s Heroic Return and Effective Substitutions
Christian Pulisic’s performance against Lecce was a standout moment. The American, who had struggled in recent months, came back with a bang, scoring both the equalizing penalty and the winning goal. His movement and decisiveness in the box were key to Milan’s comeback. Additionally, Sergio Conceicao’s substitutions proved effective, with Rafael Leao forcing an own goal and providing the winning assist to Pulisic. Tammy Abraham and Joao Felix also contributed positively, adding energy and quality to the team’s attack.
In summary, AC Milan’s victory over Lecce was a much-needed boost, highlighting the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. However, the defensive and midfield issues remain significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure a successful season. The signs of improvement, particularly from Theo Hernandez and Christian Pulisic, offer hope, and with the right adjustments, Milan can still achieve their Europa League aspirations.
