OFF TO A SOLID START
europa league
AC Milan did not slip up as they got their Europa League adventure underway. On matchday 1 in Group H, the Rossoneri took all three points against Celtic in Glasgow, beating the hosts 3-1, thanks to goals from Krunić, Díaz and Hauge. The Rossoneri were strong and solid throughout the 90 minutes of a difficult away game. It was a real team performance and did not suffer for various changes to the starting XI. In fact, it was the players, who haven't had much of a chance to shine this season, that shined; from Krunić and Hauge, who both scored their first AC Milan goals, to Díaz, who was once again a deciding factor. Though let's not forget the brilliant displays put on by regulars like Ibrahimović, Kjær and Kessie. After a dominant first half, the Diavolo eased up before Elyounoussi got the hosts back in it. AC Milan's two-goal lead was then restored in added time. The Rossoneri are level on points with Lille, who won 4-1 in Prague, as they head into a matchday 2 clash with Czech side Sparta. First, though, Roma come to San Siro on Monday for matchday 5 in Serie A. Bravo, boys!
TAKE A LOOK: THE GALLERY FROM THE GAME
MATCH REPORT
The Scottish side started full of aggression and threatened in the fifth minute; after Ajer's effort rebounded, Donnarumma denied Ntcham. The Rossoneri got into the game and scored with their first attempt. In the 14th minute, Krunić headed home from Castillejo's ball in. What followed was a hard-fought period of play, in which the Diavolo took charge of the game and dictated the pace. The grew in attack and, in the 42nd minute, doubled their lead with a quick counter. Díaz received the ball from Hernández, beat his man and hit a low shot across Barkas and into the back of the net. 2-0 up at half-time.
After the break, the home side began to push: in the 51st and 55th minutes, Laxalt and Christie saw their efforts sail over the bar. AC Milan began to tire and changes throughout the second half gave the Hoops a much-needed boost. In the 76th minute, Celtic got a goal back; Elyounoussi profited from a mix-up in the box at the corner and prodded home. On the stroke of full-time, Hauge kept his cool and put the game on ice, beating the Celtic 'keeper with a low driven shot. 3-1 to AC Milan the final score.
CELTIC 1-3 AC MILAN
CELTIC (3-5-2): Barkas; Welsh (46' Elyounoussi), Duffy, Ajer; Frimpong, Ntcham, Brown (64' Rogić), McGregor, Laxalt (77' Taylor); Ajeti (77' Klimala), Griffiths (46' Christie). Subs: Bain, Hazard; Dembélé, Henderson, Soro, Turnbull. Coach: Lennon.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Dalot, Kjær, Romagnoli, Hernández; Kessie (66' Bennacer), Tonali; Castillejo (79' Saelemaekers), Díaz (79' Hauge), Krunić; Ibrahimović (66' Leão). Subs: Tătărușanu, A. Donnarumma; Calabria, Conti, Kalulu; Colombo, Maldini. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Matej Jug (Slovenia).
Goals: 14' Krunić (M), 42' Díaz (M), 76' Elyounoussi (C), 92' Hauge (M).
Booked: 65' Laxalt (C), 82' Tonali (M), 83' G. Donnarumma (M), 86' Christie (C), 88' Saelemaekers (M).
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