A win could secure 6th or 5th position for AC Milan opening gate for direct qualification in the next round but Sergio Conceicao’s boys lost the opportunity after losing by a 2-1 scoreline against Zagreb.
AC Milan Slipped From Top 8 After The Shocking Defeat Against Dinamo Zagreb Who Was Out From The CL Before The Game
Dinamo opened the scoresheet in the game in the early half due to a silly mistake by Gabbia that Barutina snatched the ball from him and made an easy finish for his team. The defensive vulnerability opened at that time and Zagreb players attacked through it continuously.
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Musah's Irresponsibility Made Milan Face The Music By Sliding Out Of The Direct Qualification Zone
Situation got in favor of the Croatian team when AC Milan player Yunus Musah saw two yellow cards within 8 minutes leaving the Rossoneri in a big mess. Conceicao had to manage the game with 10 players for more than 50 minutes which caused difficulty for the Italian side to make a place in top 8.
However, in the second half, Pulisic scored a goal from a long assist from substitute player Tomori putting some confidence in the Milan player. The confidence of Rossoneri stayed for 7 minutes as just after scoring the equaliser Conceicao’s boys conceded another goal due to the one-man disadvantage.
VAR Decision of Cancelled Penalty Made It Impossible For Milan To Back In Game
Pjaca took the chance of space in the defense despite having many Milan players in the box area. Pjaca took the ball given by Gabriel on the slightly left side and shoot suddenly giving no chance to react for Maignan. After the goal, Milan got a penalty which was further cancelled after VAR intervention and the scoreline stood till the end of the match.
The way of remaining in the Champions League got difficult but not impossible for AC Milan. All playoff zone teams would be able to know their opponent after 31st January draw and there is a possibility that Milan might face Feyenoord or Juventus in the next stage to make way for round of 16.
Credit- Bein Sports
