In a match that saw a return to pragmatic efficiency, AC Milan secured a vital 2-0 win against Lecce, providing a much-needed sigh of relief for the Rossoneri faithful after a challenging season opener. Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic, coupled with a solid defensive display, sealed the three points for the visitors.
The Quest for Solidity: A Tale of Two Halves
Following a disappointing debut defeat to Cremonese, Milan arrived in Lecce with a clear mandate: secure a win and restore some confidence. The historic city`s baroque architecture might be elaborate, but Milan`s approach to this fixture was anything but. It was, as one Italian commentator astutely observed, “essential and concrete, with commandments carved in stone: risk little, exploit individual qualities, be clinical in the other area.” Indeed, one could almost imagine a distilled, compressed version of Massimiliano Allegri`s pragmatic philosophy guiding the Rossoneri`s actions on the pitch. It seems old habits, or perhaps just effective ones, die hard.
The first half, however, was a rather dreary affair. Both teams appeared cautious, creating a tactical stalemate that left much to be desired in terms of entertainment. Pace was low, technical errors were plentiful, and clear-cut chances were as rare as a quiet evening in Milan. Milan thought they had taken an early lead through Gabbia`s header from a corner, only for VAR, in its infinite wisdom, to intervene, disallowing the goal for a push. A momentary spark, quickly extinguished.
Clinical Finishes and VAR`s Relentless Scrutiny
The second half, mercifully, brought more action and, crucially, goals. Milan found a higher gear, striking effectively and leveraging quick counter-attacks. The breakthrough came from a set-piece, a situation Milan often struggled with in the past. A free-kick on the left flank, earned after Gaspar fouled Saelemaekers, presented an opportunity. Luka Modric, whose foot appears to have miraculously transferred its precision to Milan, delivered a perfect cross. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, demonstrating commendable aerial prowess, met it with a powerful header, steering it to the far post. Lecce`s goalkeeper Falcone, even with an `extendable arm,` would have struggled to reach it. The irony? Loftus-Cheek was on the verge of being substituted by Pulisic moments before he scored – a timely intervention, perhaps by fate itself.
VAR wasn`t done for the evening, however. Santiago Gimenez, a player showing flashes of brilliance, saw his well-taken goal disallowed for offside in the second half. A vertical pass from Saelemaekers, a neat control, and a precise finish – a beautiful story, if only a stray foot hadn`t ruined the narrative. The relentless scrutiny of the video assistant referee ensures that no celebration is truly final until the whistle blows a second time.
The Decisive Blow: Pulisic Seals the Deal
The nail in Lecce`s coffin came five minutes from time, courtesy of a less-than-textbook but highly effective play. A long clearance from goalkeeper Mike Maignan somehow became an assist after an aerial duel and a fortunate rebound. Christian Pulisic, ever the opportunist, found himself through on goal against Falcone and made no mistake, securing his fifth career goal against Lecce. It was a goal that underscored Milan`s newfound solidity and their ability to capitalize on even the most unconventional chances.
Lecce`s Struggle and Milan`s Glimmer of Hope
Lecce, it must be said, offered “poca cosa” – very little – in terms of attacking threat. They seemed sluggish and struggled to penetrate Milan`s well-organized defense, which appeared remarkably solid. Maignan was rarely tested, making his first notable save late in the game from a shot by substitute Stulic.
The victory, despite its pragmatic nature, was a welcome tonic. The Rossoneri celebrated, the fans in the curva sang with renewed vigor, and even a young talent like Cheveyo Balentien, born in 2006, made his senior debut, symbolizing a future brimming with potential. For a single evening, after much suffering, Milan could smile. The win, while perhaps not a dazzling display of football artistry, provided concrete evidence that this team can grind out results. As the transfer window looms large, perhaps this performance will inspire the acquisition of that elusive defender who can further solidify their foundations, ensuring that such hard-won smiles become a more frequent occurrence.
