MILAN. Hopes of qualification for the Champions League round of 16 hang by a thread for Milan who at San Siro are unable to bring home their first victory in Group B by drawing a 1-1 comeback against Porto. An uphill match for the Rossoneri at a disadvantage in the 6 ‘for Luis Diaz’s goal, Conceicao’s team also hit a crossbar before conceding the equal goal, an own goal by Mbemba in the 61st minute. Waiting for Liverpool-Atletico Madrid, the group standings after 4 days see Milan last at 1 point, Atletico at 4, Porto 5 points, Liverpool at 9.
The Portuguese team starts strong with Evanilson hitting the outside of the net after a few seconds but the action is spoiled by offside. After 6 ‘Porto took the lead: Grujic steals the ball in a possibly foul way from Brahim Diaz and serves Luis Diaz in the small area who cold Tatarusanu out. Uncontainable Luis Diaz who escapes Tomori on the wing and puts it in the center for Sergio Oliveira who shoots high. At 16 ‘free kick for Porto, Grujic heads up with the goalkeeper who saves himself for a corner. At 25 ‘new opportunity for the away team from a corner kick, Tatarusanu saves for a corner on Taremi. One-way match with Milan that from a psychological point of view suffered the blow of the goal. Now it is Milan that is gaining ground with Porto ready to restart, at 31 ‘Taremi goes to the shot but is blocked in a corner. At 33 ‘left around Giroud, Diogo Costa flies and raises over the crossbar. In recovery the counterattack of Theo Hernandez with the ball for Leao who puts it in the center for Saelemaekers who from a good position kicks high with the right.
Calabria leaves Milan, Kalulu enters. Milan under pressure to hunt the equal, the first opportunity is for Leao who snaps on the edge of the offside but is beyond the defender. At 55 ‘cross by Pepe in the small area for Evanilson who heads ahead of the defenders and hits the crossbar. At 61 ‘free-kick from the edge for a foul on Giroud, Tonali’s shot filters through the barrier and arrives at Giroud who turns on the net, the goalkeeper sends back on Kalulu’s feet who from a tight angle tries the goal with Mbemba who makes an own goal. sees a double rebound. Double change in Milan, in Krunic and Kessié for Brahim Diaz and Tonali. The inertia of the match has changed, Porto now defends itself against Milan in search of a double. Conceicao changes Oliveira for Vitinha. At 71 ‘Porto opportunity, contrast on Tomori while postponing the ball, shot around by Taremi just wide. Pioli tries everything, Ibrahimovic enters for Giroud. Counterattack by Leao who serves Ibra, the ball is too long. Double change in Porto, Conceicao’s son Francisco, and Bruno Costa replace Evanilson and Luis Diaz. Ibrahimovic scores from Theo Hernandez’s cross, the referee cancels for an obvious offside. At 40 ‘there is room for Maldini in place of Leao. Fresh forces for Porto, in Pepe and Martinez for Taremi and Otavio. Nothing happens anymore, Milan sees the qualification dreams go away.