A LOSS IN ATHENS: ROSSONERI OUT OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE

The final match of the Europa League group phase kicked off at the Karaiskakis stadium in Athens, it was a decisive match for the Rossoneri looking to qualify for the round of 32. Rugged start to the match with both sides playing a cautionary game and with a number of bookings. There were various chances for both teams especially for the Greeks who found the net in the 60’ with a close-range header by Cissé and then found a second in the 69’ with an own goal by Zapata. Two minutes later, our defender reduced the gap with a good header but things took the wrong turn in the 80’ after the referee awarded a penalty to the Greeks, which was then scored by Fortounis. The game ends 3-1 in favor of Olympiacos as AC Milan finish in third place with 10 points, same as the Greeks but they go through on goal difference. Now it is back to Serie A to face Filippo Inzaghi’s Bologna on Tuesday the 18th by 8.30pm at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

SEE NOW: THE BEST IMAGES OF OLYMPIACOS V AC MILAN

THE REPORT

The first half begins with an initial scare from Guerrero in the 1’ with a long ball that almost catches Zapata off guard but Reina is quick to repel the looming danger. Cutrone finds a good pass for Higuain in the 17’ who tries to flick it in but his attempt is blocked by the keeper, José Sá. As the game proceeds, both teams begin to loosen up and Zapata finds a free header in the 19’ after sneaking through the defenders: powered into the ground and over the bar. As expected, it is a gritty first half, which ends with both sides still even and with four yellow cards evenly split. The second half is underway with the Greek side trying to apply pressure with Fetfatzidis in the 47’ trying to place a left-footed curler into the upright of the post but ends just wide. In the 51’, Kessie drills a nice shot in and almost surprises the goalie: a good attempt on goal by the Ivorian. The Rossoneri concede a goal in the 60’ after Cissé heads in from close range after a corner surprises the defence. Two minutes later, it is AC Milan to come close to scoring after Higuain finds Cutrone for a half volley on the upright: ball ends agonizingly wide. The crowds are on their feet now as the game heats up, Higuain drives in a good shot in the 65’ but it ends just wide again. Things get worse for Coach Gattuso’s boys who concede a second in the 69’ after an unfortunate own goal by Zapata who tries to stop Guilherme's shot. He would then redeem himself by finding the net shortly after in the 71’ with a close header to return the favor and pull one back. The game turns around again in the 80’ with a penalty kick awarded to the Greeks: Fortounis scores and sends the Rossoneri out of the tournament. Its game over in the Europa League and back to championship duties for Coach Gattuso’s boys.

MATCH IN DETAILS

OLYMPIACOS 3 1 AC MILAN

OLYMPIACOS (4-2-3-1): Sà; Elabdellaoui, Vukovic, Cissé, Koutris; Camara (79’ Torosidis), Guilherme; Ferfatzidis (64’ Natcho), Fortounis, Podence (86’ Bouchalakis); Guerrero. Coach: Pedro Martins

AC MILAN (4-4-2): Reina; Calabria, Abate, Zapata, Rodriguez (85’ Halilovic); Castillejo, Kessie, Bakayoko, Calhanoglu; Cutrone (78’ Laxalt), Higuain. Coach: Gennaro Gattuso.

Referee: Benoit Bastien (France)
Goals:  60’ Cissé (O), 64’ Zapata (M/OG), 66’ Zapata (M), 81’ Fortounis (O)
Booked: 13’ Calhanoglu (M), 41' Koutris (O), 42' Bakayoko (M), 44' Cissé (O), 54’ Reina (M), 73’ Camara (O), 80’ Abate (M), 89’ Guerrero (O).

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