ALL SQUARE AT THE HALF-WAY MARK

An own-goal and a Theo Hernández penalty were not enough as AC Milan were held by to a draw by Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade. The scoreline is thus locked at 2-2 for the second leg at San Siro next week. The Rossoneri took the lead at the end of the first half through a Pankov own-goal before Kanga equalised from the spot after the break. Hernández fired AC Milan back in front with a penalty after an hour. Crvena Zvezda went down to ten men midway through the second half but scored deep into injury time through Pavkov.

This result is sure to leave a bittersweet taste in the mouth for the Rossoneri, who dictated the game throughout the 90 and spurned a host of chances to score. Stefano Pioli will have surely noticed a good response in terms of creativity and attitude compared to the defeat in La Spezia, which will be massively important heading into Sunday's derby against Inter. The second leg of the tie against Crvena Zvezda will kick off at 21:00 CET at San Siro on Thursday 25 February. 

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM CRVENA ZVEZDA V AC MILAN

REPORT
Pioli made a raft of changes to the line-up used in recent league matches, including Mandžukić up top in his first start for the Club. The game was full of intensity from the very first whistle as VAR disallowed two Rossoneri goals: first for a tight offside decision against Castillejo and then for handball against Hernández. Zvezda caused the Rossoneri a couple of scares, but Donnarumma stood firm to deny the hosts on two occasions. AC Milan finally took the lead three minutes from half time; Pankov deflected Castillejo's cross into his own net. A few minutes before taking the lead, the Rossoneri lost Bennecer due to injury, Tonali coming on to replace him in midfield.

Rebić made way for Leão at the break but it was the home side that opened the scoring in the second half. In the 51st minute, the Crveno-beli won a penalty, which was converted by Kanga to make it 1-1. AC Milan reacted in the best way possible, winning a penalty of their own. Hernández was brought down inside the box after bringing the ball into the area from the left; our number 19 then stepped up and converted the spot-kick - 2-1. Zvezda took the blow and, a few minutes later, found themselves down to ten men after Rodić picked up a second yellow card. AC Milan were in full control of the game and went close to making it three though Meïte. Deep into injury time, however, the Rossoneri received the sucker-punch; substitute Pavkov's looping header from the corner nestled in the corner - 2-2. 

MATCH DETAILS

CRVENA ZVEZDA 2-2 AC MILAN

CRVENA ZVEZDA (3-4-2-1): Borjan; Degenek, Pankov, Milunović; Gobeljić (74' Gajić), Kanga, Petrović (80' Sanogo), Rodić; El Fardou (62' Falco), Ivanić (80' Bakayoko); Falcinelli (80' Pavkov). Subs.: Popović; Gavrić, Srnić, Vukanović. Coach: Stanković.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma G.; Kalulu, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernández (78' Dalot); Meïte, Bennacer (39' Tonali); Castillejo, Krunić, Rebić (46' Leão); Mandžukić (81' Çalhanoğlu). Subs.: Donnarumma A., Tătărușanu; Calabria, Dalot, Gabbia, Kjær; Kessie, Saelemaekers; Ibrahimović. Coach: Pioli.

Referee: Sidiropoulos (GRE)
Goals: 42' o.g. Pankov (M), 51' pen. Kanga (C), 61' pen. Hernandez (M), 90'+2 Pavkov (C)
Booked: 51' Romagnoli (M), 54' Milunović (C), 70' Mandžukić (M), 90'+2 Donnarumma G. (M)
Sent off: 76' Rodić (C)

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