Milan conquer the Zini in dramatic fashion: Pavlović and Leão deliver three vital points
A victory forged in character, arriving when the clock seemed to have turned against them. AC Milan beat Cremonese 2-0 at the Giovanni Zini stadium in Cremona thanks to goals from Strahinja Pavlović in the 90th minute and Rafael Leão in the 94th. Three crucial points in the Champions League race that lift the Rossoneri to 57 points in the table, with results from rival teams still to come.
First half: wasted chances and an organized Cremonese
The opening 45 minutes told the story of a Milan side that created but failed to convert. Christian Pulisic tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck effort that was saved, while Rafael Leão squandered a gilt-edged opportunity, firing just wide when one-on-one with the Cremonese keeper. Youssouf Fofana also went close, as did Adrien Rabiot with a dangerous header.
Cremonese, for their part, were far from passive: around the half-hour mark, the hosts actually looked the better side, making the most of solid tactical organization and the passionate backing of a packed Zini — around 14,000 spectators, including nearly 3,000 travelling Milan supporters — to cause problems for the visitors.
Second half: Milan struggle for the breakthrough, then strike late
An immediate reaction was expected from the Rossoneri after the break, but the start of the second half failed to deliver it. The Portuguese winger Leão received a pass inside the box from Rabiot but couldn’t finish from close range: yet another missed chance on an evening that threatened to become a nightmare.
Just when a goalless draw seemed inevitable, the breakthrough arrived. In the 90th minute, Serbian defender Pavlović rose highest to power a header into the net, unlocking a match that had appeared cursed. The momentum shifted completely: moments later, in the 94th minute, Christopher Nkunku launched a counter-attack and found Leão, who this time made no mistake, sealing the final 2-0 scoreline. Despite his earlier wastefulness, the Portuguese forward redeemed himself with the goal that killed the game — echoing his decisive contribution against Como.
No bookings for cautioned players: Milan head to the derby at full strength
Beyond the three points, there was another significant positive: none of the players on yellow-card suspensions — Rabiot, Saelemaekers, and Fofana — picked up a booking. Milan will therefore be able to field their full squad for the derby against Inter, a considerable advantage ahead of the city showdown. The Nerazzurri, fresh from their win over Genoa, maintain a 10-point lead at the top of the table — a substantial gap, but one that does nothing to diminish the motivation of a Rossoneri side determined to finish the season as strongly as possible.
Signs of growth and future outlook
The performance in Cremona underlines Milan’s need to improve their clinical edge in front of goal. The number of chances created points to an attacking system that generates danger, but composure in the final third must improve if the team is to compete at the highest level in Europe as well. The Pulisic-Leão partnership showed flashes of individual brilliance: the next step will be to develop the understanding between the American and the Portuguese into a consistently devastating combination.
The introduction of Niclas Füllkrug in the second half added physicality and a focal point in attack. The German striker, with his ability to win aerial duels and create space for teammates, offers a valuable tactical option for the remainder of the campaign.
All eyes now turn to the derby: Milan head into it with 57 points, renewed confidence, and the knowledge that even on the toughest evenings, they find a way to get the result. It is precisely this winning mentality — this refusal to give up — that defines great teams.
