Milan Conquer the Derby: Estupiñán’s Strike Sinks Inter 1-0
A night to remember at San Siro: AC Milan beat Inter 1-0 in the return derby fixture, securing both city derbies this season. Just like in the first leg, a single goal proved enough to overcome the Nerazzurri, who have now gone seven consecutive derbies without a win. A remarkable stat: the last time the Rossoneri swept both fixtures against their city rivals dates back to Massimiliano Allegri’s first spell on the Milan bench.
Estupiñán: The Unlikely Hero Scores His First Goal of the Season
The match-winner was Pervis Estupiñán, who netted his first goal of the campaign at the most crucial moment. The Ecuadorian full-back was preferred over Bartesaghi despite a tight selection battle in the build-up, and he repaid Allegri’s faith in spectacular fashion. The decisive assist came from Youssouf Fofana, who was outstanding in midfield throughout the evening, both in possession and defensively. The French midfielder could have doubled the lead late on but squandered a couple of counter-attacking opportunities that would have sealed the result beyond doubt.
Match Report: Intensity Without Fireworks, Then a Rossoneri Flash
As is often the case in derbies, the contest was not a spectacle of free-flowing football, but the intensity never let up. Before Milan’s opener, Inter created a clear-cut chance through Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who missed remarkably from close range against Mike Maignan. The French goalkeeper produced yet another outstanding save to keep his side level. Moments later, the Nerazzurri were punished as Milan struck to take the lead.
The second half saw the game lose much of its attacking edge, with both benches making extensive substitutions. Inter reshuffled in search of an equaliser, while Allegri managed his squad carefully, bringing on Samuele Ricci, Niclas Füllkrug, and Christopher Nkunku. Milan comfortably contained the Nerazzurri’s late pressure without facing any serious scares.
Talking Points: Bastoni Escapes Red Card, Rabiot Suspended for Lazio Trip
Controversy was never far away. Alessandro Bastoni, booed relentlessly by the Milan faithful every time he touched the ball, was involved in a very heavy challenge on Adrien Rabiot that could easily have warranted a red card. The referee settled for a yellow, and shortly afterwards Simone Inzaghi withdrew the defender. Minutes later, Rabiot himself — already on a booking — picked up a yellow card that will rule him out of Milan’s trip to face Lazio. His absence could open the door for Ricci or another midfield option to start next weekend.
San Siro Sold Out: 75,000 Fans and a Revenue Record
The atmosphere matched the occasion: 75,000 spectators packed the Meazza, setting a new season revenue record. Before kick-off, a striking choreography featuring the Devil was displayed, although the Curva Sud was unable to prepare their own tifo due to authorisation arriving only on the morning of the match — far too late to organise it properly.
Standings and Outlook: Milan on 60 Points and Looking Up
This victory lifts Milan to 60 points, seven behind leaders Inter on 67. The gap remains significant, but Milan’s trajectory speaks for itself: a double over Inter in the derby, victories in key matches, and a resilience that positions the squad to fight until the very end. With ten matchdays remaining, the schedule includes tough tests against Lazio, Napoli, and Juventus, but this Milan side has proven it can win the games that matter most.
Equally important is the Champions League race: Roma’s defeat in Genoa is a welcome result for the Rossoneri, who must also keep an eye on Napoli, Juventus, and Como in the battle for a European berth. With 60 points already secured and ten games still to play, Milan have every reason to approach the run-in with confidence and ambition.
Milan rules the city: the Rossoneri remain the only team to have beaten Inter in Serie A in both league fixtures this season, underlining a dominance in the Derby della Madonnina that hasn’t been seen in years.
