In a thrilling Serie A clash at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, AC Milan mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Genoa 2-1, securing their first victory after conceding the opening goal since March 15, 2025. The match, played on May 5, 2025, saw all the drama unfold in the second half, with goals from Rafael Leão and an unfortunate own goal by Morten Frendrup turning the tide for the Rossoneri.
The game started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, ending the first half goalless. However, the second half was a different story. Genoa broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Vitinha, who had just come on as a substitute, scored with a precise volley from a cross by Aarón Martín. This marked a significant moment for Genoa, who had not scored first in a match since January 12, 2020, against Hellas Verona.
Just two minutes later, Milan responded emphatically. Leão equalized in the 76th minute, finishing off a well-placed assist from Santiago Giménez. The Portuguese winger has been in fine form, having contributed to five goals in his last six away matches in Serie A, with three goals and two assists.
Things got even better for Milan shortly after when Frendrup inadvertently directed a low cross from Leão into his own net, giving Milan a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute. This was a bitter blow for Genoa, who had been on a three-match winless streak and was desperately seeking to turn their fortunes around.
Despite a valiant effort to equalize in the dying moments, Genoa could not find the back of the net. Milan's defense held firm, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial saves to preserve the lead. The win propelled Milan to 57 points in the Serie A standings, positioning them just two points shy of Fiorentina in eighth place and six points behind the joint leaders Juventus, Roma, and Lazio.
Genoa, on the other hand, faced their third consecutive defeat, a streak not seen since the fall of 2024. Their struggles were evident as they failed to score in the last three matches, a worrying trend for head coach Patrick Vieira. The team now sits 13th in the standings with 39 points, a far cry from their aspirations earlier in the season.
Milan's victory was marked by notable performances, particularly from Leão, who was eventually booked for time-wasting tactics in the latter stages of the match. His yellow card means he will miss the upcoming home fixture against Bologna, a significant loss for the Rossoneri as they look to maintain their momentum.
The match also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by Milan's coach Sérgio Conceição, who opted to start Luka Jović and Christian Pulisic, but was forced to replace Youssouf Fofana early in the first half due to injury. Leão's introduction proved vital as he not only scored but also set up the own goal that sealed the match.
With this win, Milan continues to assert their dominance over Genoa, having remained unbeaten in 13 of their last 14 encounters in Serie A. The Rossoneri have won five of their last six matches at the Ferraris, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
As the season approaches its climax, both teams have critical matches ahead. Milan will aim to build on this victory and push for a higher finish in the league, while Genoa must regroup and find a way to break their goal drought to avoid slipping further down the table.
In summary, the Genoa-Milan match was a rollercoaster of emotions, illustrating the unpredictable nature of football. Milan's resilience shone through, and with their eyes set on European competition, they will need to keep this form going in the coming weeks.
