AC Milan fell to a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, with Franck Kessie’s red card and a late penalty pivotal in deciding the game.
The Rossoneri were superb in the early stages and deservedly took the lead through Rafael Leao, and instead of sitting on that advantage, we pressed on in search of more goals.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Tomori, Bennacer and Brahim Diaz impress
However, Kessie’s second booking in the 29th minute changed the complexion of the encounter entirely, and despite a brave and spirited effort defensively from Milan to try and hold out for the win, it wasn’t to be as Antoine Griezmann equalised late on before a controversial decision from the referee allowed Luis Suarez to seal the win for the visitors deep into injury time.
Milan must now move on from this and bounce back at Porto next month, as while we certainly deserved something from this game, it’s important we react and kick on knowing that we can go toe-to-toe with Europe’s best.
Pioli tactically spot on, Milan can compete at this level
Our dominance in the opening 25 minutes was in large part down to the players for showing the right attitude, intensity, urgency and desire, but Stefano Pioli’s influence was huge.
From the nervousness of our play against Liverpool to this, we looked a completely different side. We played with intent, confidence and a good tempo on and off the ball, allowing us to dominate the reigning La Liga champions. Even after the red card, as we switched to a back-five out of possession and into a four when going forward, we found the right fluidity and balance to frustrate Atletico and almost found a way to hold out for three points.
While it’s bitterly disappointing to have lost, the performance shows that we can compete at this level and we’ll hopefully take that into the clash with Porto next month.
Tomori a gem of a signing
Fikayo Tomori continues to show that not only is he an immensely talented defender, but he is more than capable of showcasing that quality at the very top level on a consistent basis.
Whether it’s our biggest rivals in Serie A or two of the best teams in Europe, he has been a rock in defence for us throughout and has become a real pillar of the side.
His aggression, pace and reading of the game makes him perfect for the level of opposition we’re now facing, and at 23, he still has so far to go.
Kessie out of side until he rediscovers best form
Sandro Tonali’s form combined with Kessie’s struggles so far this season should mean that the former is given the nod in midfield for the foreseeable future.
Whether it was the injury that stunted his start to the campaign or the ongoing distraction of his new contract and future at the club with his current deal set to expire next month, this is nowhere near the best of Kessie.
While the second caution was harsh on Tuesday night, it was still a risky and silly challenge in the circumstances. That should now cost him his place as Tonali is more than deserving of a more prominent role.
Brahim Diaz a consistent spark for Milan
That’s now four goals and two assists in eight games for the Spaniard, as he has stepped up as our No.10 so far this season and is making the difference. Last season, he had seven goals and four assists in 39 appearances.
It was arguably quite a gamble from Milan to essentially put our faith in him to be our creative talisman in the final third, but Diaz has responded really well thus far.
It’s hoped that this form and level of decisiveness can continue throughout the season, but for now, he’s proving to be a fundamental piece in the puzzle.
Bennacer back to near his best
This was undoubtedly one of the best performances we’ve seen from Ismael Bennacer in some time.
The Milan midfielder has struggled with injuries, fitness and form dating back to last season, and so it has been frustrating not to see the best of him given how influential he was for us previously.
However, we are hopefully about to see him return to those levels on a consistent basis, as this was a stand-out display in terms of his energy and tenacity off the ball, which was matched by his composure and quality in possession. The Algerian international could form a really solid partnership with Tonali in the coming weeks.
