10‑MAN AC MILAN BEATEN AT HOME TO CHELSEA
Champions League
AC Milan put up a fight but were ultimately defeated 2-0 by Chelsea at San Siro this evening. Indeed, the Blues emerged victorious on matchday four in Group E thanks to first-half goals from Jorginho (a penalty) and Aubameyang, with Tomori’s 18th-minute red card having a big bearing on the game. Down to ten men for more than 70 minutes, the Rossoneri gave all that they could but to no avail. Things simply didn’t go the way of Coach Pioli’s men, who, despite the circumstances, received constant support from a packed San Siro, with the fans applauding the players from start to finish.
The draw between Dinamo Zagreb and FC Salzburg leaves the group completely wide open in the race to qualify for the last 16. The Rossoneri currently sit third on four points, two behind the Austrians. AC Milan’s next Champions League fixture will be in Croatia, where they’ll take to the Stadion Maksimir pitch at 21:00 CEST on Tuesday 25 October. Before that, however, the Diavolo’s attentions will be on the league, starting with the trip to face Hellas Verona on Sunday. It’s an important fixture as the team look to put tonight’s game behind them. Come on, lads.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v CHELSEA
MATCH REPORT
The only change from the starting line-up against Juventus was Krunić for Pobega, who dropped to the bench. It was a tense start from both sides with AC Milan having lots of possession and pushing forward, but without breaking down a solid Chelsea backline. The turning point of the match, though, came after 18 minutes when an advancing Mount was deemed to have been fouled in the area by Tomori and the referee pointed to the spot; the English defender was given a red card and Jorginho dispatched the penalty to give the away side a 1-0 lead. The Rossoneri fought back with pride and carved out a great chance after 27 minutes: Giroud's swivel and shot went just wide of the post. Despite our best efforts, it was Chelsea who doubled their lead after 34 minutes through Aubameyang, who finished off from inside the box after Mount's assist. Before the half-time whistle blew, there was still time for Tătăruşanu to make a great outstretched save from Mount.
AC Milan started off the second half quickly with Tonali forcing Kepa into saving well with his feet from a tight angle. Chelsea replied: after 54 mintes, Tătăruşanu made a great reflex save from Aubameyang's close-range effort. The Rossoneri never gave up though and came close through Dest on the hour mark, but his strike went high after Leão went off on a classic forward run. The numerical disadvantage started to be felt with AC Milan trying their best in front of the commendable San Siro crowd. It was Dest again, this time in defence, stopping Aubameyang brilliantly just in front of Tătăruşanu with 15 minutes to go. The changes - made towards the end with Ballo-Touré and Origi, after Pobega and Rebić - didn't make any difference, although the Belgian striker did make Kepa work with a right-foot attempt. Nothing prevailed of it and it ended 2-0 to Chelsea.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 0-2 CHELSEA
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Tătăruşanu; Kalulu, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernández (79' Ballo-Touré); Krunić, Bennacer (62' Pobega), Tonali; Díaz (37' Dest), Giroud (62' Rebić), Leão (79' Origi). Subs: Jungdal, Mirante; Coubis; Messias. Coach: Pioli.
CHELSEA (3-4-2-1): Kepa; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly; James (62' Azpilicueta), Jorginho, Kovačić, Chilwell; Sterling (62' Loftus-Cheek), Mount (46' Gallagher); Aubameyang (79' Havertz). Subs: Bettinelli, Mendy; Cucurella; Chukwuemeka, Zakaria; Broja, Pulisic. Coach: Potter.
Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER).
Goals: 21' pen. Jorginho (C), 34' Aubameyang (C).
Booked: 20' Giroud (M), 20' Mount (C), 29' Sterling (C), 32' Gabbia (M), 36' Krunić (M), 66' Pobega (M), 86' Gallagher (C), 89' Tonali (M), 90' Ballo-Touré (M).
Sent-off: 18' Tomori (M).
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