AC Milan secured an impressive 4-0 win over RB Salzburg at San Siro on Wednesday night to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Needing just a point to qualify, goals from Olivier Giroud (2), Rade Krunic and Messias Jr sealed all three points that ensured we finish in second place in Group E and subsequently put ourselves in the draw for the next round.
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After a disappointing defeat to Torino last weekend, it was important that Milan bounced back and produced a response. Although there were some concerning moments in the game, it turned out to be a comprehensive win after a much-improved second half and that is exactly what we needed.
Stefano Pioli will no doubt be delighted with what he saw from his team, and so now the focus switches back to domestic matters in the next fortnight.
Important sign of progression
Having fallen at this hurdle last season, it’s another important checkpoint in terms of continuous improvement and being able to compete at the top level.
Any Champions League group is going to provide challenges and there is no easy route to the knockout stage, but Milan showed more maturity and understanding of what it takes to be successful in Europe this year as we keep building on previous successes and achievements.
There is still a long way to go, and our defeats to Chelsea showed there is still a gap to be bridged to the teams who have been competing for major honours in Europe in recent years. However, this was an important achievement and one that Pioli and his squad should draw more confidence and belief from.
Defensive improvement still needed
It wasn’t a straight-forward win, as particularly in the first half, we have had our defensive struggles as we don’t have the same level of solidity we had last season.
Salzburg had opportunities with 16 shots, six of which were on target, and so but-for poor finishing, this encounter could have gone entirely differently had they been more clinical in the opening 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, we managed to keep a clean sheet and advance, and it’s about building on this and rediscovering our defensive organisation and shape that usually makes us very difficult to break down. Currently though, teams are finding ways to get through us far too easily.
Bennacer the engine room
Ismael Bennacer was excellent in this game as he finished with 84% passing accuracy, six of 10 duels won and countless key interventions that broke up Salzburg’s rhythm and didn’t allow them to get at our backline.
The Algerian international is our engine room and composure in the middle of the pitch, such is his influence in both phases of the game, and he’s delivering on the big stage in Europe too which is great to see.
Combined with Tonali, we have a top-class midfield pivot. While we still need to find a better balance to be defensively sound, Bennacer is performing at a different level and his presence in the side is fundamental as his tenacity, combativeness, technical quality and desire are all invaluable assets.
Giroud continues to deliver in big games
When we need a big performance from him, Olivier Giroud rarely fails to deliver. With Champions League qualification on the line in this one, the Frenchman provided a brace and an assist in a crucial display.
His experience, pedigree and qualities all make him a pivotal figure in the side, and as he continues to lead the line so well, he has maintained his ability to make a decisive impact when it’s really needed.
While several other Milan players impressed including Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez, Giroud was a major part in getting us through this test and into the knockout stages.
One objective met, finish strong before break
The defeat to Torino would have left all concerned feeling bitterly disappointed, but it was important to put that away into the back of our minds and deliver in Europe.
Having now done that job as we await the draw to see who we’ll face – a feeling and process that has been sorely missed – our attention will quickly switch back to domestic matters with three more Serie A games to come before the World Cup break.
We’ve satisfied one key objective this season by making it through the group stage of the Champions League and we’ll see how far we can go in February when the competition resumes. However, as we continue to play catch-up to Napoli at the top of the table, we need a maximum haul of nine points over the next fortnight.