AC Milan edged past Cagliari with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Unipol Domus in the 18th round of the Serie A season. The decisive moment came in the 50th minute when Rafael Leão found the back of the net, assisted by Adrien Rabiot, breaking the deadlock in what had been a tightly contested match.
Leão's Moment of Brilliance
The first half saw both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances, with AC Milan slightly edging possession. However, it was in the early stages of the second half that Leão capitalized on a well-timed pass from Rabiot, slotting the ball past Cagliari's goalkeeper to give Milan the lead. This goal proved to be the match-winner, as Cagliari's attempts to equalize were thwarted by a resolute Milan defense.
Cagliari's Struggles in Attack
Cagliari managed only one shot on target throughout the match, reflecting their struggles in breaking down Milan's organized backline. Despite making several substitutions to inject fresh energy into their attack, the home side couldn't find the breakthrough. Marco Palestra's efforts in midfield, including winning seven duels, were notable, but ultimately insufficient to change the outcome.
Milan's Tactical Discipline
AC Milan's tactical discipline was evident as they maintained 54% possession and managed four shots on target. The midfield duo of Rabiot and Modrić controlled the tempo, with Modrić contributing three key passes. Milan's defense, led by Fikayo Tomori, who made four interceptions, ensured that Cagliari's forwards were kept at bay.
Looking Ahead
This victory extends AC Milan's positive run, keeping them in contention for the top spots in Serie A. With recent form showing resilience and tactical acumen, Milan will be looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Cagliari will need to regroup and find solutions to their attacking woes as they aim to climb the league standings.
