TIME MACHINE: DINAMO ZAGREB v AC MILAN
History
From 25 October to 29 January 2025: 1192 days on from our last visit, we're returning to the Maksimir Stadium to face Dinamo. As was also the case back then, a decisive match awaits: a victory on Wednesday would secure a spot in the top eight and qualification for the round of 16 of the Champions League. In 2022/23, a commanding victory in Zagreb got us back on track during the group stage after two consecutive defeats to Chelsea. The Diavolo completed the job with another 4-0 win - against Salzburg at San Siro – the following week, and would go on to progress to the semi-finals of Europe's elite competition that campaign. Ahead of the game on Wednesday evening, it's time to turn on our Time Machine and revisit that four-goal success against Dinamo Zagreb.
As usual, Coach Pioli sent his side out in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Tătărușanu was between the sticks that evening, while the back four consisted of Theo, Gabbia, Kjær and Kalulu. Tonali and Bennacer lined up behind Rebić, De Ketelaere and Rafa, with Giroud in the lone striker role. The Rossoneri needed to win after two consecutive losses to Chelsea had left the table looking like this: Chelsea 7; Salzburg 6; AC Milan and Dinamo 4. Irrespective of the final result, the first half was a very even affair, with both sides having chances. In the 39th minute, Gabbia opened the scoring with a diving header from a Tonali free-kick, giving us a crucial lead.
The Rossoneri built on their advantage after the restart: with 49 minutes on the clock, Leão advanced up the pitch before beating the goalkeeper with a right-footed near-post finish. The hosts failed to muster a response, and, ten minutes later, Giroud converted a penalty won by Tonali. The fourth arrived after more great work from Rafa, whose cross was diverted into his own net by the unlucky Ljubičić, who was trying to get to the ball before Rebić. There were no further goals as the Rossneri recorded a vital victory on their European journey that season.
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