AC Milan 1-0 Girona: Rossoneri edge visitors to strengthen last-16 bid

A superb first-half goal from winger Rafael Leão secured a 1-0 victory for AC Milan over Girona in their Champions League clash on Wednesday. The win positions the Rossoneri well to advance to the last 16 of the competition.

Leão found the net in the 37th minute with a brilliant shot into the roof of the net, capitalizing on a low cross from Ismaël Bennacer. Bennacer set up the goal with an impressive play, winning the ball near midfield and weaving past Girona’s defense before delivering the decisive assist to the Portuguese star.

The seven-time European champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2007, now sit sixth in the standings with 15 points. With the top eight teams earning automatic qualification for the last-16 stage, Milan is in a strong position heading into their final league-phase fixture against Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb on January 29.

Debutants Girona remain 31st in the standings with just three points, eliminating their chances of reaching the playoffs. They will host Arsenal in their final league-phase match.

Milan started on the front foot, forcing Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga into action early. Gazzaniga made crucial saves to deny Tijjani Reijnders’ free kick and Leão’s low strike toward the right post.

The hosts came close to extending their lead, hitting the woodwork twice—first through Theo Hernandez, who struck the bar, and then Yunus Musah, whose powerful effort rattled the post.

Girona gradually grew into the match, with Donny van de Beek and Viktor Tsygankov testing Milan keeper Mike Maignan with strong chances. However, Leão dashed their hopes with his third consecutive Champions League goal, continuing his stellar form in Europe. Notably, Leão became the first Milan player to score in three straight Champions League games since Zlatan Ibrahimović achieved the feat between 2011 and 2012.

Girona nearly equalized through Bryan Gil in the second half, but his curled effort into the far corner was ruled out for offside. Despite four substitutions by Girona coach Michel around the 70th minute, the visitors couldn’t break through Milan’s defense.

The victory extends Milan’s Champions League winning streak to five games. Remarkably, in both previous campaigns where Milan won five or more consecutive matches, they reached the final, finishing runners-up in 1993 and 2005.

SportsLigue