AC MILAN PUT FOUR PAST DINAMO ZAGREB
Champions League
Mission accomplished in Croatia. AC Milan return from Zagreb with all three points and second place in the group as it stands with just just one game still to play following Salzburg's defeat at home to Chelsea. It was exactly what the Rossoneri needed from the game, as they thumped Dinamo 4-0 at the Stadion Maksimir thanks to goals from Gabbia (his first-ever goal for the Club), Leão, Giroud and a Ljubičić own-goal. There were even a few late chances to make it five, all of which went begging.
It was a victory made all the sweeter given that Dinamo hadn't lost on home turf for 31 matches (26 wins and five draws). The Rossoneri put the game to bed with goals either side of half time; Gabbia opened the scoring (39'), then Rafa made it two (50') and Oli added a third (59'). Three goals in the space of 20 minutes demoralised the hosts, who were well in the game until Gabbia scored. Now, our fate is in our own hands when we host Salzburg at San Siro on Wednesday 2 November; it all comes down to the final matchday...
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM DINAMO ZAGREB v AC MILAN
THE MATCH
At the Stadion Maksimir, the home side got off to a better start, setting the tone early and trying to surprise the Rossoneri. With both sides studying each other early on, AC Milan’s first chance came after ten minutes through Kjær, after a a great block from Perić, and then De Ketelaere, whose shot was blocked, too. But Dinamo were well in the game and on 16 minutes Gabbia was well-positioned to keep out Moharrami’s header on the line, and a few minutes later, Kjær got in the way of Ristovski’s powerful strike. After suffering some pressure, the Rossoneri then came back into it with Rebić having a great opportunity on the 27th-minute mark, but he took a bit too long to get his shot away and was stopped, just as he was about to let fly. It was us again on the half-hour mark with Giroud’s header forcing an excellent save by Livaković, after an excellent cross from Kalulu. But the opening goal soon came, after 39 minutes, thanks to Matteo Gabbia, who met Tonali’s inswinging free-kick, from the right-hand corner of the box, perfectly to head home without mistake.
AC Milan started the second half like a house on fire; a Theo foray freed up De Ketelaere, but he was closed down by Perić. The second goal came soon after though, on the 50th-minute mark, through Leão, who broke through the Croatian defence and smashed home, giving Livaković no chance. Three minutes later, Giroud smelt a third within his grasp but his angled header was too central. Oli wasn’t to be disappointed though, and his goal came shortly after on 59 minutes: Tonali was fouled in the box and up stepped the French striker to slot home from the penalty spot. Tătă was then called into action, saving well from Ivanušec after 64 minutes, but it was the Rossoneri who extended the lead further five minutes later; Rafa’s cross was missed by Giroud and the returning Ljubičić knocked it into his own net to make it 4-0. The away side weren’t content in stopping there and nearly added a fifth through Pobega after 82 minutes, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Not long after, Livaković got the better of Krunić (100 appearences in the Rossoneri shirt!), keeping out the fifth goal, and also then gathered Rebić’s left-footed attempt a few minutes before the end.
MATCH DETAILS
DINAMO ZAGREB 0-4 AC MILAN
DINAMO ZAGREB (3-5-2): Livaković; Ristovski (58' Špikić), Šutalo, Perić; Moharrami, Ivanušec, Mišić, Ademi (57' Baturina), Ljubičić; Petković (57' Drmić), Oršić. Subs.: Zagorac; Lauritsen, Štefulj, Théophile-Catherine; Bočkaj, Bulat, Marin; Emreli, Menalo. Coach: Čačić.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătăruşanu; Kalulu, Kjær, Gabbia, Hernández (70' Ballo-Touré); Bennacer (70' Pobega), Tonali; Rebić, De Ketelaere (52' Krunić), Leão (70' Messias); Giroud (81' Origi). Subs.: Jungdal, Nava; Coubis; Díaz. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL).
Goals: 39' Gabbia (M), 50' Leão (M), 59' pen. Giroud (M), 69' o.g. Ljubičić (M).
Booked: 43' Ademi (D), 46' De Ketelaere (M).
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