A Night of Heartache for Milan at the San Siro
Milan’s dreams of a top-four finish in Serie A took a significant blow as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lazio at the San Siro. This loss marks their third consecutive defeat in the league, a nadir not seen since February 2023. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Milan’s fate ultimately sealed by Strahinja Pavlovic’s reckless red card and Pedro’s decisive penalty in the dying moments.
Lazio’s Dominant Start
From the outset, Lazio commanded the game, putting Milan on the back foot. Just three minutes in, Mike Maignan was called into action, making a crucial save to deny Boulaye Dia. Despite this early reprieve, Marco Baroni’s side continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock through Mattia Zaccagni. Zaccagni’s goal was a well-deserved reward for Lazio’s relentless pressure, putting Milan in a precarious position before halftime.
Milan’s Struggles and the Red Card
Milan’s response was lackluster, and they entered the break trailing 1-0. The second half began with a somber mood, and things took a catastrophic turn when Pavlovic received a straight red card for a brutal tackle on Gustav Isaksen. The Serb’s overzealousness had long been a cause for concern, and this momentary lapse in judgment proved to be the turning point. Milan, now down to ten men, faced an uphill battle.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Milan managed to find a glimmer of hope. In the 84th minute, substitute Samuel Chukwueze rose to meet a cross with a powerful header, equalizing for the Rossoneri. This moment injected a surge of energy into the team, and there was a palpable sense that they might turn the game around. However, their hopes were dashed in the 94th minute.
The Final Blow
In the closing moments, Maignan’s challenge on Isaksen resulted in a penalty after a VAR review. Pedro, known for his clinical finishing, made no mistake from the spot, delivering the final blow to Milan’s aspirations. The goal not only secured Lazio’s victory but also dealt a significant blow to Milan’s top-four hopes.
Player Ratings and Reflections
- Mike Maignan – 7: Despite his late mistake, Maignan’s early saves were crucial in keeping Milan in the game. His performance was a mixed bag, but his efforts were commendable.
- Alejandro Gimenez – 5.5: The young defender struggled to keep up with Zaccagni, allowing him to score the opening goal. His shortcomings led to his early substitution.
- Matteo Gabbia – 6: Another disappointing evening for the Italian center-back, whose poor anticipation nearly cost Milan early on. His overall performance lacked confidence.
- Strahinja Pavlovic – 3: His red card was the low point of the match. His over-zealous tackling finally caught up with him, sealing Milan’s fate.
- Theo Hernandez – 5.5: Hernandez appeared distracted and out of sorts, raising questions about his future with the club.
- Yunus Musah – 4: Withdrawn at halftime due to his poor performance, Musah’s lack of composure and possession skills nearly cost Milan a red card.
- Youssouf Fofana – 6: Effective in defensive duties but failed to contribute significantly to the attack.
- Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5: A rare bright spot in an otherwise disjointed side, Reijnders showed promise and was a driving force in midfield.
- Rafael Leao – 7: Despite a missed assist, Leao’s creativity and involvement were vital, culminating in the assist for Chukwueze’s equalizer.
- Santiago Gimenez – 5.5: The striker’s frustration was evident, as he failed to receive any inviting balls in the box.
- Substitutes – Kyle Walker (6.5) and Joao Felix (6): Both provided a spark off the bench, with Walker’s defensive solidity and Felix’s attacking intent adding a new dynamic to the team.
This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Milan, highlighting the need for composure, tactical discipline, and a more cohesive team effort. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the right adjustments, there is still hope for a strong finish to the season.
