Bitter challenge to S. Siro after the expulsion of Kessie. Rain of controversy for the penalty
The great heart of Milan, outnumbered for an hour due to a questionable decision by the referee and leading up to 7 ‘from the end, is not enough to avoid the turnaround in extremis of Atletico Madrid (who won with a non-existent penalty at time out) that takes away the three points compromising the Rossoneri’s progress in the Champions League. A bitter game from the start: after 10 ‘of battle in midfield, the first thrill is for Milan: Tomori touches the ball in his hand in the area and San Siro holds his breath waiting for the response of the Var. Rossoneri dodge the possible penalty. Rhythms sustained in the median: the rude Kessie pays the price, booked in the 14th minute. At 20 ‘, after missing a goal with Rebic, Milan evades the Spanish web and hits the mark. The stamp is placed by Leao, served by Diaz, with a precise diagonal just inside the area.
Atletico try to shake up. An unexpected hand comes from the referee Cakir who on 28 ‘punishes with another yellow card (and expulsion) a thunderstorm by Kessie against Llorente. The decision seems excessive and he leaves Milan in ten with an hour of play ahead. Pioli immediately runs for cover by inserting Tonali in place of Rebic. Very angular race: Simeone immediately tries to exploit the numerical superiority by inserting the sparkling Felix in place of Trippier. Milan defends well (excellent captain Romagnoli) and the only danger comes in the 45th minute when Suarez turns a cross from the back to the side. It starts again and at 52 ‘again Suarez is inaccurate with his head from a good position. The attacking operations of Atletico are now organized by the substitute De Paul. Another hitch for Milan (in which Tonali and Bennacer fight like lions in the median) who in the 56th minute lost Diaz, the best of his team, due to injury. All his aces are played by Simeone (dissatisfied with his Atletico) by including Griezmann and Lemar in attack. The Spaniards try to tighten the times, but the maneuver is confused and Milan (in which Giroud has entered) does not find it very difficult to defend themselves. It is an illusion though.
The forces fail and despite the chaos of ideas Atletico has the shots of its champions in the arsenal. At 83 ‘, the top-class one, Griezmann, strikes Maignan by turning a header from Lodi behind the compatriot goalkeeper, escaped from the inattentive Florenzi. Now Madrid dreams of a turnaround, pushes, and in the 97th minute finds the overtaking: handball in the Kalulu area (before there was a Spanish irregularity) and Suarez does not miss the penalty. –