VICTORY AT SAN SIRO: AC MILAN 1‑0 GIRONA
Champions League
AC Milan continue their positive run in the Champions League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Girona in the seventh matchday of the first phase. At San Siro, the Rossoneri bagged the decisive goal in the 37th minute through Rafael Leão, assisted by Ismaël Bennacer. With this win, the fifth in a row, AC Milan move to 15 points in the standings, solidifying their position among the top eight teams in the tournament. Sérgio Conceição's side battled and suffered but once again demonstrated their defensive solidity, keeping a clean sheet.
Emerson Royal's injury in the 4th minute forced an early substitution with Davide Calabria coming on. Despite the setback, AC Milan maintained control of the match, hitting the woodwork twice. Rafael Leão's performance was crucial as his goal broke the deadlock. In the second half, AC Milan managed the lead intelligently, making tactical changes to maintain a high intensity. Now on to the crucial last game in Zagreb against Dinamo, next Wednesday at 21.00 CET: AC Milan need a win to secure qualification to the Round of 16.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v GIRONA
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with AC Milan on the front foot, looking to impose their rhythm. In the 4th minute, an injury forced Emerson Royal off, replaced by Davide Calabria. The Rossoneri remained undeterred, continuing to press and coming close to scoring through Reijnders and Leão, both attempts well saved by Gazzaniga. In the 25th minute, Theo Hernández struck the crossbar with a left-footed shot and Musah hit the post just four minutes later. The goal came in the 37th minute when Rafael Leão, set up by Bennacer, scored with a precise strike. Girona tried to respond but AC Milan's defence held firm with Maignan making some crucial saves. The first half ended with AC Milan leading 1-0.
In the second half, Girona attempted to push forward, but AC Milan was adept at closing down spaces and counter-attacking. In the 59th minute, Bryan Gil scored but the goal was ruled out due to offside. In the 63rd minute, Conceição made the first change, bringing on Tammy Abraham for Morata to inject fresh energy into the attack. Girona made a series of substitutions between the 71st and 76th minutes but AC Milan continued to manage the game well. In the 79th minute, Theo Hernández received a yellow card for dissent, but the team remained focused. In the final minutes, Girona launched a late assault but the Rossoneri defence held strong with Pavlović making several key interventions. After five minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed AC Milan's 1-0 victory.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 1-0 GIRONA
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; E. Royal (4' Calabria), Gabbia, Pavlović, Hernández; Bennacer (75' Pulisic), Fofana; Musah, Reijnders (75' Terracciano), Leão; Morata (63' Abraham). Subs: Sportiello, Torriani; Bartesaghi; Zeroli; Camarda, Okafor. Coach: Conceição.
GIRONA (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Francés, D. López, Krejčí, Blind; Herrera (77' Portu), Romeu, Van de Beek (73' Asprilla); Tsygankov (73' Martín), Gil (73' Danjuma); Ruiz (73' Stuani). A disp.: P. López; Arnau, Juanpe, Selvi, Solís; Artero. Coach: Sánchez.
Referee: Stieler.
Goal: 37' Leão (M).
Booked: 41' Calabria (M), 59' Gil (G), 80' Hernández (M), 81' Martín (G).
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