Atlético Madrid is known to like to adorn its cute appearance with late victories despite their well-known attacking players. But in this fifth round of the Champions League group stage, the truly innocuous Rojiblancos received a receipt from Milan. Receipt source: Junior Messiah.
AC Milan – Joker Junior Messias celebrates his goal against Atletico Madrid – Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the first congratulations.
AFP via Getty Images
Atlético coach Diego Simeone stood on the sidelines shaking his head shortly before the end and probably did not understand what his teammates had put in on this truly important evening. In the end, as is already known, the eccentric coach slipped into the cabin suite with his teammate without a handshake.
That colleague, Milan coach Stefano Pioli, had time for something better: celebrating the victory his team deserved in Madrid – and above all celebrating the Joker Jr. Christ.
Because the late 30-year-old Brazilian, who spent a lot of time in amateur football and only got a chance at a greater level than Italian club Crotone in 2019. The technically savvy striker, who has been on loan to AC Milan since 2021, is gone. In the right place in the 87th minute after a perfect cross from Kessié and nodded to beat Oblak from close range without resistance.
Milan is still alive
The win was well deserved because the guests from Italy set the tone for the whole match, simply celebrated more football and also got some good chances in an attacking fashion. These remained unused until late 1-0, because either Oblak saved (86 against Ibrahimovic), Savic saved (72 in desperate need against Bakayoko) or Brahim Diaz zippy delayed (7).
Among the local colchoneros, who recently secured their place in La Liga Group A with a slim 1-0 victory over Osasuna, only a lack of ideas could be seen. Attacks were always fading, big names like Suarez or Griezmann were right on their side and they were also replaced of late. Only De Paul, who signed with Udinese Calcio from Italy in the summer, got some good grades and failed his best chance at the start due to the brilliant act of Milan goalkeeper Tatarusano (third). Shortly before the end of the match, there was also a chance for former substitute player Herthan Matthews Cunha, who missed (90+1).
What was particularly deadly in this performance by the Madridists: Atleti could not afford to lose in the fight for the Round of 16, while Milan (last defeat 3:4 in Florence for the first time in Serie A) now have their first three in these Group stage hope again. With four points on the credit side, a home win on December 7 (9pm) against Liverpool FC, already winning the group (15 points full), is enough to secure at least hibernation in the Europa League. Then Atlético (four points) visit FC Porto (five points) at the same time.
Goals and cards
0: 1Christ’s children (87′, head, casey)
Atl. Madrid
Milan
referee team
game info
Stadium
Wanda Metropolitano
But first: Atletico have to go to Cadiz in La Liga on Sunday (6.30 pm). Milan, on the other hand, receives a short time before (3 pm) against Sassuolo.