AC Milan fell to a disappointing and controversial 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, with Luis Suarez’s late penalty deciding the game.
The Rossoneri took the lead in the first half through Rafael Leao and were on top as we looked to push on and take a more commanding lead.
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However, Franck Kessie’s red card changed the game entirely, with Stefano Pioli having to go on the defensive to try and hold out for the win.
After a superb effort from the players, it wasn’t to be as Antoine Griezmann found a late equaliser before Suarez struck from the penalty spot deep into injury time after a contentious decision from the referee. That leaves Milan without a point after two games in the Champions League, as we look to bounce back at Porto next month.
Milan player ratings vs Atletico Madrid
Mike Maignan, 7 – Made some really good saves in the second half, little he could have done for the opening goal as well as with a really well-taken penalty. Another assured performance from the Frenchman.
Davide Calabria, 6.5 – A solid defensive display as he stood up to different personnel from Atletico on that flank and kept things tight even as we switched to a back-five in the second half.
Fikayo Tomori, 7.5 – Continues to impress. Dominated at the back and limited Suarez throughout while sweeping up across the backline to cover for his teammates too.
Alessio Romagnoli, 7 – Will be disappointed not to have gotten closer to Griezmann for the equaliser, but similarly to Tomori, a solid outing for our captain who continues to stake his claim to stay in the side moving forward.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Defended well and looked a real threat when bombing forward with his trademark bursts into attack. Limited after the break given our numerical disadvantage.
Ismael Bennacer, 7.5 – A superb performance in the heart of our midfield and the game. Made his presence felt both on and off the ball, matching his energy and tenacity in defence with quality and accuracy with his distribution.
Franck Kessie, 4 – While the second yellow card seemed a little harsh, it was a poor decision from Kessie to make that challenge and put himself and the team at risk. The game completely changed after his dismissal, with Milan going from being on the front-foot and in control to having to sit deep, soak up pressure and defend in an ultimately losing cause.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 7 – An unbelievable shift from the Belgian, as he ran his heart out to try and put pressure on Atletico and win possession back for us. Lacked a bit of quality on the ball, but made up for it with his determination and setting the defensive tempo for us.
Brahim Diaz, 7.5 – Our Spanish playmaker is becoming a major figure in this side with his decisiveness in the final third. Provided an assist for our goal, and looked a real spark and creative catalyst with his ability to get past players and move us up the pitch quickly.
Rafael Leao, 7 – Excellent display aside from his goal which was a brilliant finish, as he looked dangerous with his pace and movement to give Atletico real problems down that side. He was one of those who then struggled as the game went on due to the red card.
Ante Rebic, 6 – Oblak produced a great save to deny him an opener as he did well in the opening stages before being sacrificed to come off as Pioli covered the absence of Kessie in midfield.
Substitutes:
Sandro Tonali, 7 – Another brilliant outing as he is surely now set to take over from Kessie in midfield until the Ivorian rediscovers his best form. Commanding on the ball, hard-working off it, and clever in trying to give us moments to rest by winning cheap free-kicks.
Fode Ballo Toure, 5 – Didn’t really make much of an impact after coming on other than providing fresh legs.
Olivier Giroud, 5 – A real struggle for the French stalwart, as Milan were simply just clearing their lines whenever possible and so it made it really difficult for him to hold the ball up and bring others into play.
Alessandro Florenzi, N/A
Pierre Kalulu, N/A