Tonight was the first game in the Champions League at the San Siro. It was matchday 2 of the group stage. The first game was against Liverpool at the Anfield, AC Milan showed some quality and strength during some periods of the Anfield clash, but still lost 3-2.
This match tonight, however, was different. Right off the bat, AC Milan entered the pitch with clear tactical ideas and execution of the tactician's instruction. Rafael Leao and Brahim Diaz, as predicted, were the points of danger and reference for the red and black faithful. Atlético Madrid had no answer for the duo. Sure enough, the Portuguese winger scored a goal after a pass from the Spanish attacking midfielder.
AC Milan were in perfect control of the match. But, a foul from Kessié changed the cards on the table and the direction of the game. Kessié received a second yellow card after a foul in the middle of the pitch. The Rosssoneri had to finish the first half with 10 men.
In the second half, Diego Simeone's men took the field with so much attacking solutions. The Rossoneri sat back, trying to keep the Spaniards out of their penalty box. Pioli's men held on. But, when you are one man down against a strong team for more than 45 minutes and defending the whole time, conceding is very much possible.
Griezmann scored off a cross in the 84th minute with a rather poor marking and reaction from Alessio Romagnoli. The result was 1-1, but Atlético Madrid's team kept pushing, smelling blood in the water as they knew it was their chance to take advantage and score a second goal.
Later, a tough call had to be made by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir who decided to give a penalty after a close handball by Pierre Kalulu. Experienced 34-year-old striker scored from the spot in the 96th minute.
The match ended then, and AC Milan lost their second match in a row in the Champions League group stage. The Rossoneri are still sitting last in the group table with 0 points. Porto is third with 1 point after drawing to Atlético Madrid and losing with Liverpool tonight. Atléti have 4 points and Liverpool are first with 6 points.
Now, it's time for Pioli and his boys to review and analyse the match. Then, eyes are on the next game in the schedule: a tough match in a trip to Bergamo to face Gian Piero Gasperini's team Atalanta.
Below is our graphic for the player ratings against Atlético Madrid. Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.
