Milan's 2-1 Win Over Como Marred by Injuries
AC Milan secures a comeback victory against Como in Serie A with goals from Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, but key injuries cast a shadow over the triumph.
AC Milan battled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Como in a tense Serie A match that highlighted both their resilience and growing injury concerns. Playing away, Milan struggled early on as Como capitalized on defensive lapses. In the 60th minute, Assan Ceesay exploited a gap in Milan's defense, bypassing Theo Hernández to give the home side the lead with a clinical finish.
Milan, however, showcased their determination. Just eleven minutes later, Hernández made amends with a stunning volley off a corner kick to equalize. In the 76th minute, substitute Rafael Leão delivered the decisive moment, brilliantly chipping the ball over the Como goalkeeper after a perfectly timed assist from Tommaso Pobega.
The victory came at a cost for Milan. Star winger Christian Pulisic was substituted in the first half due to a suspected thigh injury, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures. Additionally, forward Álvaro Morata, already playing under caution, received another yellow card, ruling him out of the highly anticipated clash against Juventus. Head coach Sérgio Conceição acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "The injuries are unfortunate, but we must focus on adapting and maintaining our momentum."
This win propels Milan to seventh place in Serie A with 31 points, keeping them within reach of European qualification spots. However, the team faces a crucial test against Juventus, a match that could define their season. Without key players like Pulisic and Morata, Milan’s depth will be tested as they aim to maintain their upward trajectory.
For Como, currently in 16th place with 19 points, the loss adds to their relegation worries. Despite moments of promise, their inability to sustain pressure against stronger opponents remains a concern.
As Milan prepares for the challenges ahead, their fans will take solace in this victory, while hoping for swift recoveries and tactical adjustments to navigate the demanding Serie A campaign.