Como 1-2 AC Milan: Rafael Leao stars as Rossoneri complete comeback victory over hosts to extend unbeaten run
AC Milan enhanced their prospects of finishing in the top four by overcoming a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Como 1907, thereby extending their unbeaten streak against the Biancoblu to 13 matches.
Rossoneri head coach Sergio Conceicao faces a significant challenge in guiding his team closer to the Serie A top four, a reality underscored by their recent frustrating 1-1 draw against the struggling Cagliari.
Traveling to Lombardy, they encountered a Como side also facing relegation threats, yet aiming for a third consecutive home victory.
Given the recent boost in confidence from Cesc Fabregas’ squad, following back-to-back 2-0 wins over Roma and Lecce at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, it was perhaps expected that the first half would see both teams evenly matched.
Gabriel Strefezza’s ambitious attempt forced Mike Maignan into a low save at his near post, while Marc-Oliver Kempf headed wide from a Lucas Da Cunha free-kick, providing two early chances for the hosts.
Milan turned to the influential Rafael Leao for inspiration, who created two rapid opportunities for Tijjani Reijnders and Alvaro Morata, both of whom were thwarted by Como's debutant goalkeeper Jean Butez.
Conceicao made a bold decision to implement a triple substitution at halftime, bringing on Alex Jimenez, Yunus Musah, and Tammy Abraham to invigorate Milan’s offensive play. Although Jimenez appeared to pose a threat after his introduction, it was the hosts who took the lead first.
The impressive Assane Diao celebrated his home debut with his inaugural goal for Como, skillfully cutting in from the right and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot past Maignan at his near post.
At just 19 years and 129 days old, he became the youngest foreign player in the club's history to score in Serie A. Maxence Caqueret, making his first appearance in a Biancoblu jersey, provided the assist for Diao with a well-placed pass from midfield.
However, Como's celebration was short-lived, as Theo Hernandez equalized just over ten minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive scramble with a left-footed volley after Como failed to clear a corner from Milan.
It marked a significant milestone for the French international, who has now become the highest-scoring defender in Serie A history for the club, achieving a total of 30 goals and surpassing Paolo Maldini's previous record of 29.
The momentum shifted decisively when Leao scored Milan's second goal with an exquisite lob over Butez, having received a perfectly timed through ball from Abraham.
Patrick Cutrone came agonizingly close to equalizing for the home side, but Maignan was present to execute a remarkable save at his near post.
In the end, Milan secured three vital points, bringing them within five points of Lazio in fourth place. Conversely, this loss for Como relegates them to 16th position, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone.
SportsLigue