AC Milan’s aspirations for a top-eight finish in the Champions League were shattered in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Dinamo Zagreb. The match, which could have secured Milan’s direct entry into the Round of 16, instead highlighted the team’s struggles and ended with them a man down.
From the outset, Milan faced challenges. Injuries and suspensions forced manager Sergio Conceicao to field a makeshift defense, with Fikayo Tomori playing out of position at right-back. These difficulties were compounded by a disastrous start when Matteo Gabbia’s slip gifted Zagreb the opening goal, with Martin Baturina capitalizing on the error.
The situation deteriorated further for Milan when Yunus Musah received his second yellow card before halftime, leaving the Italian side with ten men. Despite this setback, Milan showed resilience early in the second half. Christian Pulisic equalized with a powerful strike, briefly rekindling hopes of a comeback.
However, Zagreb regained the lead through Marko Pjaca’s well-placed shot. Milan’s attempts to level the score again were thwarted, including a disallowed penalty for Rafael Leao after VAR review.
The defeat not only cost Milan a top-eight finish but also raised questions about their form and tactical approach. As they now face the prospect of a play-off to advance in the competition, Conceicao and his team will need to regroup and address the issues that led to this crucial setback.
Goals: Baturina 19 (D), Pulisic 53 (M), Pjaca 60 (D)
Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1): Nevistic; Pierre-Gabriel (90′ +2 Jakirovic), Mmaee, Torrente, Théophile-Catherine; Misic, Ademi (70′ Rog); Stojkovic (74′ Cordoba), Baturina (90′ +2 Mbuku), Pjaca (70′ Ristovski); Kulenovic
Milan (4-3-3): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia (46′ Terracciano), Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Musah, Fofana, Reijnders (82′ Abraham); Pulisic, Morata (46′ Chukwueze), Leao (82′ Okafor)
