LATE EQUALISER IN THE FIRST LEG

A well-deserved draw at Old Trafford, after an excellent performance. A fantastic AC Milan side had the strength and skill to make a comeback against Manchester United in their own backyard: 1-1 in the first leg of the Europa League round of sixteen, with goals in the second half from Diallo and Kjær. The Rossoneri faced off against a high-quality opponent, and played with great heart, battling for qualification against an eminent peer. There couldn’t have been a better moment or evening for Simon’s first Rossoneri goal, a splendid header just before injury time. The two disallowed Rossoneri goals from the first half are also worth mentioning. There can only be praise for the team, stronger yet again despite the absence of important players, and playing with character, clear ideas and courage. A test of maturity that they passed with flying colours, even if the return leg at San Siro (next Thursday) proves to be yet another challenge: it will be a difficult match, but one that they will have to play without fear and with much more hope. A positive evening, which will have been cause for celebration for our fans. Now it’s time to focus on the league again, with yet another big match approaching: on Sunday 14 March at 20:45 CET, Napoli will be at San Siro. 

Very well done, lads.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM MANCHESTER UTD V AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT

AC Milan started on the front foot and had two goals disallowed early on. In the fifth minute, Leão began in an offside decision as he made his run in behind. In the 11th minute, a VAR check ruled out a brilliant strike from Kessie for handball against the Ivorian. In the 26th minute, Krunić missed from inside the box and, in the 31st minute, Saelemaekers tested Henderson after a quick breakaway. The hosts, who hadn't threatened Donnarumma's goal apart from one saved effort from Martial, looked dangerous in the 38th minute; Fernandes flicked a corner on with his head and Maguire missed an open goal from a yard out. Half time.

After the break, it was United who were on top early on and the hosts took the lead in the 50th minute. Fernandes' long ball eluded Tomori and Diallo's backwards header caught Donnarumma out. Another chance for Rade, whose headed effort went off target in the 65th minute. Then, Saelemaekers had a go from the edge of the box, though the shot was underhit. In the 72nd minute, James missed a chance to double United's lead but couldn't get the right contact on Greenwood's cross. The Diavolo pushed for the equaliser late into the game and equalised deep into added time (92'); Kjær roses highest to head the corner past Henderson. Full time.

MATCH DETAILS

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 AC MILAN

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka (74' Williams), Bailly, Maguire, Telles; McTominay, Matić; James (74' Shaw), Fernandes (74' Fred), Martial (46' Diallo); Greenwood. Subs: Bishop, Grant; Lindelöf, Tuanzebe; Shoretire. Coach: Solskjær.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria (74' Kalulu), Kjær, Tomori, Dalot; Meïte, Kessie; Saelemaekers (69' Castillejo), Díaz (69' Tonali), Krunić; Leão. Subs: A. Donnarumma, Tătărușanu; Gabbia; Tonin. Coach: Pioli.

Referee: Vinčić (SVN).
Goals: 50' Diallo (MU), 92' Kjær (M).
Booked: 18' Saelemaekers (M), 55' McTominay (MU).

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