Milan defeated Salzburg 4-0 in the final game of Champions League Group Stage to advance to the Round of 16.
Milan manager Stefano Pioli started with an 11-man starting lineup that was nearly full strength after resting several starters over the weekend. Ante Rebic started on the right wing in the 4-2-3-1 formation, and Mike Maignan was replaced by Ciprian Tatarusanu due to a long-term injury.
In order to advance, Salzburg used an offensive 4-3-3. With six league goals each this season, Noah Okafor and Junior Adamu led the forwards from the front.
The game quickly got underway when Ante Rebic took the ball away from the Salzburg backline after only a few minutes. The Croatian found Theo Hernandez outside the penalty area despite appearing to commit a foul, but the Frenchman’s shot hit the goalpost.
The Austrians applied an aggressive press because Salzburg needed to win to leave the group. The high block occasionally caused Milan issues in the defensive third, but the Rossoneri were frequently able to escape it.
Milan scored the game’s opening goal on a corner kick from Sandro Tonali after less than 15 minutes had passed. Despite being closely defended, Olivier Giroud headed the ball into the goal after the midfielder served a beautiful cross.
Later, after Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn mishandled the ball, Giroud appeared to score his second goal. However, the goal was reversed by the assistant referee because he was about a foot offside.
Salzburg picked up steam as halftime approached and started to put pressure on Milan’s four-man backline. However, Ciprian Tatarusanu played well, and the home team led 1-0 at halftime.
Following the break, Salzburg made an instant substitution, bringing in full-back Bernando to boost their offensive prowess in place of Oumar Solet.
Milan scored a fantastic team goal less than 3 minutes after the match resumed, all but guaranteeing their spot in the group. Giroud received a cross from Rebic in the channel, and the striker directed the ball down to Rade Krunic, who easily finished the opportunity.
On a fantastic run by Rafael Leao, the hosts managed to score their 3rd goal of the game in just ten minutes. The winger moved the ball along the length of the penalty area before playing a low cross that was received by Giroud. The striker scored a brace by launching the ball into the goal.
Junior Messias scored his fourth goal of the game in stoppage time by cutting into box and curling the ball toward the far corner of the goal.
Milan has qualified for this year’s Champions League round of 16! The Italian champions were fortunate to be ahead of Salzburg at the half, but they scored three goals in the second period to defeat their guests. Giroud contributed significantly for the hosts, scoring twice and dishing out two assists.
The Rossoneri finish group play in second place with the victory, just behind Chelsea. On November 7, a draw will determine their Round of 16 opponents.
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