Against a backdrop of growing protests, Milan collapse at home against Atalanta. The race for the Champions League, with just two matchdays remaining, looks increasingly out of reach.
First Half
On the very first shot on target of the match, Ederson is left completely free to score, due to the lack of pressure from the Rossoneri defenders. Whenever they attack, La Dea exploits the spaces left by Milan with ease. A perfect example is Zappacosta‘s goal, who capitalises on a touch by Kristovic to burst forward and double the lead. Milan’s players only begin to threaten goal after half an hour, forcing Carnesecchi into a couple of saves. The first 45 minutes end to a chorus of whistles from the fans, who can already sense the inevitable defeat.
Second Half
The second half opens with a moment that perfectly sums up Milan’s last six weeks: Gimenez and Leao collide with each other while chasing a through ball, Atalanta break forward and Ederson, completely unmarked, tees up Raspadori to make it 0-3. The game appears to be over with 40 minutes still to play: La Dea ease off, but Milan, despite pushing forward, do so in a disorganised manner, lacking composure in front of goal. Allegri‘s men spend the remaining half hour attacking and shooting, though largely because, in practical terms, the result had already been decided. Pavlovic‘s goal three minutes from time and Nkunku‘s penalty deep in stoppage time serve only to add some meaning to this second half.
Conclusion
Milan lose again, and no second-half reaction can make up for it. The collapse comes with yet another defeat, and now more than ever, a Champions League place looks increasingly at risk.
