In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, AC Milan secured a vital 3-1 victory over Bologna in Serie A on May 9, 2025, boosting their hopes of European football next season. The match, which also served as a precursor to their upcoming Coppa Italia final, showcased a stunning performance from Santiago Gimenez, who came off the bench to score twice and lead his team to a comeback victory.
The match started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. However, Bologna took the lead shortly after the break when Riccardo Orsolini scored his 13th goal of the season, firing a powerful shot into the far corner in the 49th minute. Milan, needing a response, turned to their bench and brought on Gimenez, who would prove to be the game-changer.
After a period of pressure, Milan equalized in the 73rd minute. Christian Pulisic, who had been lively throughout the match, set up Gimenez, who slotted the ball through the legs of Bologna's goalkeeper, Lukasz Skorupski. The Rossoneri were now on the front foot, and their momentum was palpable.
Just six minutes later, Pulisic himself found the back of the net, making it 2-1 for Milan. The American winger swept home a rebound after an initial shot from Joao Felix deflected into his path. The excitement didn't stop there, as Gimenez capped off a remarkable performance by scoring his second goal in injury time, finishing off a well-timed assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
Post-match, Gimenez spoke to DAZN, reflecting on his impactful performance. "I have to be ready when it's my turn, but it's not just me — the whole team. Whoever comes on makes a difference," he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their success.
He also acknowledged the pressure on the coach, stating, "It's good for the coach if we make sure we're ready. I'm ready, whether from the start or coming on during the match." The Mexican forward dedicated his goals to his mother, making the victory even more special as it coincided with Mother's Day. "Mom is the most important person there is; dedicating the goals to her is special," he added.
This victory marks AC Milan's third consecutive win in the league, moving them up to eighth place, just three points behind Juventus, Roma, and Lazio, who are all tied for fourth place. The battle for Champions League qualification remains tight, with Atalanta currently in pole position, five points ahead of the chasing pack.
Bologna, who now sit two points ahead of Milan in seventh place, are also in the hunt for a Champions League spot, as they prepare for a rematch with Milan in the Coppa Italia final on May 14, 2025. This upcoming clash adds another layer of intensity to the rivalry between these two teams, as both vie for silverware and a spot in European competitions.
In terms of player performances, Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan made several crucial saves, earning a rating of 7 for his efforts. The backline faced challenges, especially after Tomori was substituted in the 14th minute due to a head collision, leaving Gabbia and Pavlovic to hold the fort.
Pulisic's rating of 7 reflects his crucial contributions, including the assist for Gimenez's equalizer and his own goal that put Milan ahead. Joao Felix also impressed with a rating of 7, providing energy and creativity throughout the match.
Gimenez, with a standout performance that earned him the Man of the Match title and a rating of 7.5, highlighted the importance of depth in Milan's squad. His ability to come off the bench and make an immediate impact is a testament to his readiness and determination.
The match statistics show that Milan had a total of 14 shots, with five on target, while Bologna managed 10 shots with three on target. The Rossoneri's ability to convert their chances proved decisive in this encounter.
As the season approaches its climax, AC Milan's focus will now shift towards the Coppa Italia final, where they will look to carry this momentum into what promises to be a thrilling encounter against Bologna once again. With their spirits high and confidence soaring, the Rossoneri are determined to secure their second piece of silverware this season, following their triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana.
In conclusion, AC Milan's victory over Bologna not only strengthens their league position but also sets the stage for a highly anticipated cup final. With players like Gimenez stepping up at crucial moments, the team looks poised for a strong finish to the season, hoping to achieve their goals on both fronts.
