AC Milan triumphed over Girona 1-0 in their latest UEFA Champions League match, played at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 22, 2025. The victory leaves the Italian giants poised to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, thanks to the stellar performance of their star winger, Rafael Leao.
Leao opened the scoring for Milan with a spectacular strike from close range, netting the only goal of the match in the 37th minute. The momentum leading to the goal started with Ismael Bennacer, who seized possession near the halfway line and elegantly dribbled through the Girona midfield before delivering a low cross. Leao made no mistake, smashing the ball high past Girona's keeper, Paulo Gazzaniga.
This goal was particularly significant as it marked Leao's third consecutive game scoring in the Champions League, continuing his remarkable transition from inconsistent performer to one of Milan's key players. Before this streak, he had only managed three goals across his first 24 Champions League appearances, making his recent form all the more impressive. Interestingly, the last player to score in three straight Champions League matches for Milan was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who did it during the 2011-2012 season.
The match started with Milan asserting their dominance early on, putting pressure on Girona's defense. Leao himself tested Gazzaniga early with a low shot aimed at the right post, which the keeper managed to deflect. Milan's attempt to widen the lead saw them hitting the woodwork twice; defender Theo Hernandez rattled the bar with one of his efforts, highlighting Milan's attacking prowess.
Despite Milan's pressure, Girona gradually began to establish more possession as the match progressed. Their most significant moment came when Bryan Gil’s beautifully curled shot found the back of the net, only to be disallowed for offside. This moment was pivotal as it illustrated Girona's ability to threaten Milan's lead, even if they did not capitalized on it.
Milan maintained their lead going to half-time, buoyed by the solid performances of players like Bennacer and expected renown goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Maignan had to fend off decent attempts from Girona, including shots from Donny van de Beek and Viktor Tsygankov, ensuring Milan's slender margin was preserved.
After the halftime break, Girona's coach Michel responded with tactical changes, substituting his entire front line around the 70-minute mark hoping to find the equalizer. The fresh legs, including several talented players coming off the bench, struggled to penetrate Milan’s defense, which was expertly marshaled by central defenders Strahinja Pavlovic and Matteo Gabbia, both stepping up amid injury woes within Milan’s lineup.
Throughout the second half, Milan’s resilience shone through, showcasing their experience and tactical discipline. They controlled the pace of the match and thwarted Girona's pressures efficiently. The final whistle confirmed the victory for Milan, marking their fifth consecutive win in the Champions League—a feat not achieved since the memorable runs to the final and their eventual second-place finishes in 1993 and 2005.
With this victory, AC Milan sits sixth with 15 points in their group, having rounded out the campaign well. They are set to face Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb on January 29 for their concluding fixture, where they will aim to solidify their position for the knockouts. For Girona, this defeat solidified their struggles, leaving them last with only three points and with no chance of advancing as they prepare to host Arsenal for their final group stage match.
Milan’s continued success has rekindled memories of their illustrious past, especially as they amalgamate formidable performances under pressure with the potential to shift dynamics within the group standings as they seek to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.