AC Milan’s dismal week continued on February 22, 2025, as they succumbed to another defeat, this time by 2-1 against Torino at the Olimpico Grande Torino. This match followed their recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League, compounding the frustrations felt by players and fans alike.
The clash against Torino unfolded dramatically from the outset. Within the first five minutes, AC Milan found themselves going behind due to a bizarre own goal. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan, attempting to clear the ball from his area, inadvertently struck defender Malick Thiaw, causing the ball to ricochet back past Maignan and settle inside the net. What appeared to be just another day of trouble for Milan showed signs of what was to come.
Despite the early setback, manager Sergio Conceicao was eager to see his team rally. Speaking post-match, he expressed his dismay: "Very frustrating, for me, for the fans, and for those who work here... There are too many individual mistakes, but in football, this happens" (Milan Reports). His words echoed the sentiments of many fans who had attended the match, hoping for signs of recovery from the recent Champions League ordeal.
AC Milan’s plight deepened when striker Christian Pulisic approached the penalty spot after Torino's Marcus Pedersen handled the ball. Pulisic had never missed from the spot before, but faced with lightning-quick reactions from Torino's goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić, he was unable to convert, leading the away side to waste yet another opportunity to level the score.
Milan finally equalized when Tijjani Reijnders struck beautifully to secure his 12th goal of the season just two minutes before the end of regular time. The stadium thrummed with excitement, giving Milan fans hope for a dramatic turnaround. Yet, their celebrations were short-lived, as just moments later, Torino’s Antonio Sanabria executed a clever quick free-kick, catching the Milan defence off-guard. Gvidas Gineitis latched onto the opportunity, scoring with precision and pushing Torino back out front.
Reflecting on the match’s pivotal moments, Conceicao faced the media with candor, lamenting the series of unfortunate events: “The last 12-15 goals are unforced errors, they have nothing to do with the formation. There are moments in the season where everything happens: it’s not an excuse, it’s the truth.” His analysis highlighted the recurring theme of individual mistakes plaguing the team, contributing to their current struggles.
The match showcased moments of brilliance from both sides, particularly from Torino's Milinković-Savić, who not only saved Pulisic's penalty but also made several key stops throughout the game. Torino, having struggled themselves, managed only their second win out of their last ten matches, indicating both teams were desperate for points and morale.
For Milan, this defeat leaves them languishing at seventh place, six points adrift from fourth-placed Lazio, clinching the coveted Champions League spots. They had hoped to bounce back solidly after their disappointing exit from the Champions League, but it appears the path to redemption will be fraught with challenges as they scrape the barrel of consistency.
Conceicao remains resolute, stating, "We’re here to work to change things; we're working hard. And the mistakes put us in difficulty. I want to say something truly from the heart: today, the season is not over; we are here strong.” His commitment to transforming the current situation reflects the unwavering spirit required during tough times.
The heart of the matter lies not just within individual players’ performance, but also the cohesion and mindset of the team moving forward. Milan has matches forthcoming, with another opportunity to inch closer to Champions League qualification lying just around the corner against Bologna. The echoes from past performances will have to be lessons learned as they strive to gain back their footing and secure their place among Europe’s elite once again.
The road may be rocky, but for fans of AC Milan, hope remains alive, and the fight for glory continues, both on the pitch and within the hearts of those supporting the storied club.