AC Milan secured a much-needed victory against Empoli on February 6, 2025, at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, triumphing 2-0 thanks to goals from Rafael Leão and Santiago Gimenez. This match marked João Félix's first start for the Rossoneri, following his impressive debut earlier this week.
Starting strong, Milan showcased their determination to build on previous successes stemming from their recent performances. The squad, buoyed by new signings during the January transfer window, aimed to clinch what they deemed an important win against the struggling Empoli side.
Empoli, facing their own set of challenges, had failed to win since December 8, 2024, which added pressure as they approached this encounter. With only two points from eight Serie A games, they sat perilously close to the relegation zone. Milan, meanwhile, prided themselves on their historical dominance over Empoli, having never lost at the Castellani Stadium.
The match kicked off with both teams vying for control. Milan, adopting a 4-4-2 formation, featured Félix alongside Abraham up front, with Leão resting on the bench due to ankle issues sustained from previous matches. Just minutes before the game, it became clear how pivotal this match was for both teams.
From the outset, the Rossoneri looked to assert their dominance, though the first half was riddled with fouls and missed opportunities. A notable moment came when João Félix threatened the net with a fierce shot from outside the area, only to see it skim past the left post.
Conversely, Empoli’s Lorenzo Colombo found himself on the cusp of scoring, sending a powerful strike against the post—a stroke of bad luck for the home side. The first half ended with both sides unable to break the deadlock, but with Milan showing signs of attacking potential.
The second half brought renewed energy from Milan, who sought to capitalize on their scoring chances. Unfortunately, fate dealt them a tough hand when Fikayo Tomori received his second yellow card, which left Milan down to ten men after fouling Colombo. Despite this setback, Milan’s resolve did not waver.
After Tomori’s dismissal, it was Rafael Leão who finally broke the deadlock. At the 68-minute mark, he capitalized on Christian Pulisic's expertly placed cross, guiding the ball home with his head. The scoreline tilted decisively in Milan's favor, solidifying their advantage.
Minutes later, new signing Santiago Gimenez added the insurance goal, showcasing finesse and calmness after receiving another excellent pass from Pulisic. With this, Gimenez not only secured the win for Milan but also celebrated his debut goal for the club, which left supporters on cloud nine.
Despite having to play most of the match with ten players, Milan's defense held strong, frustrating Empoli's efforts to find the net. Empoli's hopes of staging a comeback fell flat as they struggled to create substantial chances, burdened by absences and lack of form.
The match concluded with Milan walking away as 2-0 victors, marking yet another successful outing against Empoli. This win not only boosted their morale following disappointing results but also reaffirmed their position within Serie A.
Moving forward, AC Milan will look to maintain their momentum as they head toward the Champions League play-offs. For Empoli, the road appears rocky; they must regroup and find ways to secure points if they hope to avoid relegation.
Following this match, Milan will cherish the validation of their efforts and the integration of new talents like João Félix, highlighting the importance of squad depth. They’ll now focus on their next fixtures, ready to tackle whatever challenges the rest of the season may bring.
With their historical success against Empoli reaffirmed, Milan looks to continue their pursuit of higher standings, eyeing potential competition spots for European football; meanwhile, Empoli faces the grim reality of relegation worries, needing immediate turnaround to keep hopes alive.