ENDING 2020 ON A HIGH
Serie A
Top of the table at Christmas, a position that AC Milan have remained in for months. And deservedly so. Tonight was simply magical, with the Rossoneri showing heart and desire at San Siro to beat Lazio. Coach Pioli’s men overcame absences and bounced back from setbacks on the pitch to record one of their most exciting and precious victories during the first part of the season. The big showdown on matchday 14 finished 3-2, with Rebić and Çalhanoğlu (penalty) initially giving the Diavolo a 2-0 lead before Luis Alberto (penalty) and Immobile struck back. Then, with just seconds to go, the magnificent Theo Hernández rose high to win it. Absolutely incredible, simply wonderful. AC Milan returned to the top following Inter’s victory earlier on the evening and moved up to 34 points, extending their lead over Napoli, Juve, Atalanta and tonight’s opponents Lazio in the process. It’s a win for our fans, who once again accompanied the team to the stadium before kick-off in a wonderful show of support. Hopefully, they’ll be able to return to where they belong – the stands – soon. Following this evening’s win, the Rossoneri will return to action at 18:00 CET on Sunday 3 January, when Benevento v AC Milan will take place at the Stadio Ciro Vigorito. It hasn’t been an easy year, but the Rossoneri fans will certainly be able to enjoy Christmas!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN V LAZIO
REPORT
Again, AC Milan took a brilliant approach to the game and created their first chance in the 5th minute; after Kalulu's surging run and Rebić's cross, Çalhanoğlu hit his shot just over the crossbar. In the 10th minute, the same two combined to give the Rossoneri the lead. Hakan took the corner and Ante met it with his head, driving it home with power and precision. The game opened up; in the 11th minute, Leão's shot was gathered by a grateful Reina; a minute later, Marušić sent his effort just past the post. The Rossoneri were tenacious and clinical, and doubled their lead from the spot in the 17th minute after Patric brought Rebić down in the area. Çalhanoğlu coolly slotted the spot-kick home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Lazio, in the 27th minute, were awarded a penalty for a foul on Correa by Kalulu. Donnarumma's miraculous save on Immobile's attempt was not enough and Luis Alberto stuck the rebound home with his head. The guests were largely on top as the half drew to a close. Half time.
It was tense and even affair after the break. In the 48th minute, Çalha's cross-cum-shot just eluded Romagnoli in front of goal; two minutes later, Muriqi let fly in the box; in the 54th minute, Immobile's long-ranged effort found the welcoming arms of Donnarumma. The Diavolo spurned numerous chances but were punished by Lazio, who equalised through Immobile in the 59th minute. Lazio searched for the winner through Luis Alberto and Luiz Felipe but the Rossoneri never gave up and went on the offensive in the dying minutes of the game. In the 86th and 87th minutes, Rebić twice came close to restoring AC Milan's lead. Then, in the second minute of injury time, when all hope of a winner seemed lost, Çalhanoğlu's corner found Hernández, who tucked it away and gave all three points to the home side. Full time!
AC MILAN 3-2 LAZIO
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kalulu, Romagnoli, Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Saelemaekers (64' Castillejo), Çalhanoğlu, Rebić; Leão (79' Hauge). Subs: A. Donnarumma, Tătărușanu; Conti, Dalot, Duarte, Musacchio; Díaz, Frigerio; Colombo. Coach: Pioli.
LAZIO (3-5-2): Reina; Patric (88' Hoedt), Luiz Felipe, Radu; Lazzari, Milinković-Savić (73' Akpa Akpro), Escalante (46' Cataldi), Luis Alberto, Marušić; Correa (32' Muriqi), Immobile (74' Pereira). Subs: Alia, Strakosha; Adeagbo, Armini, Franco; Anderson; Caicedo. Coach: S. Inzaghi.
Referee: Di Bello from Brindisi.
Goals: 10' Rebić (M), 17' pen. Çalhanoğlu (M), 27' Luis Alberto (L), 59' Immobile (L), 92' Hernández (M).
Booked: 26' S. Inzaghi (L), 39' Escalante (L), 41' Krunić (M), 44' Pioli (M), 64' Luis Alberto (L), 78' Hernández (M), 80' Akpa Akpro (L), 88' Muriqi (L).
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