Delete
Rafael Leao scores the winning goal for Milan against Girona. EFE
Leao seals Girona's elimination, who had their chances at San Siro

Leao seals Girona's elimination, who had their chances at San Siro

A superb goal by the Portuguese forward secures Milan's victory and bids farewell to a team lacking in attack and also weak in defence

Amador Gómez

Madrid

Miércoles, 22 de enero 2025, 23:05

Rafael Leao, with a remarkable goal after Girona had two consecutive chances saved by Maignan, confirmed the elimination of Míchel's team ahead of the final Champions League matchday next Wednesday against Arsenal at Montilivi. Girona, who were only hoping for a miracle in their first-ever European participation, had their opportunities at San Siro, but not only lacked firepower, they were also weak at the back against a seasoned opponent.

Milan hit the woodwork twice before a loss of possession between Yangel Herrera and Abel Ruiz condemned Girona past the half-hour mark, when Leao executed a double cut inside the area against David López and struck with his left foot past Gazzaniga to affirm the Italians' superiority. Bryan Gil equalised with a stunning goal as the hour mark approached, but a marginal offside left the winger and Girona without a goal, although the Catalan team, as their coach desired, competed and presented a good image at San Siro.

Milan

Maignan, Emerson (Calabria, min. 4), Pavlovic, Gabbia, Theo Hernández, Fofana, Bennacer (Pulisic, min. 75), Musah, Reijnders (Terracciano, min. 75), Leao and Morata (Abraham, min. 63).

-

Girona

Gazzaniga, Alejandro Francés, David López, Krejci, Blind, Yangel Herrera (Portu, min. 77), Oriol Romeu, Tsygankov (Iván Martín, min. 72), Van de Beek (Asprilla, min. 72), Bryan Gil (Danjuma, min. 72) and Abel Ruiz (Stuani, min. 72).

  • Goal: 1-0: min. 37, Leao.

  • Referee: Tobias Stieler (Germany). Yellow cards for Calabria, Bryan Gil, Theo Hernández, and Iván Martín.

  • Incidents: Match corresponding to the seventh day of the Champions League, played at the San Siro stadium.

The enormous challenge of staying alive for the last match, however, was not possible, because although Girona stood up to a Milan side that, under Sergio Conceiçao, has taken a significant step forward, it was Leao's class and also Míchel's team's lack of decisiveness that made the difference. The Catalan side also had to contend with Maignan in the opposite goal, as the French goalkeeper made three fantastic saves in the first half, during which Milan shackled Girona with pressure and struck with a highly talented Portuguese player, before the Rossoneri team limited themselves to managing the result after the break.

Publicidad

Publicidad

Publicidad

Publicidad

Esta funcionalidad es exclusiva para registrados.

Reporta un error en esta noticia

* Campos obligatorios

todoalicante Leao seals Girona's elimination, who had their chances at San Siro