AC Milan showcased their resilience once again, overcoming an early setback to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory against Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 5, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Rossoneri demonstrating their ability to bounce back from adversity, thanks to a remarkable performance from Rafael Leão and a crucial own goal by Morten Frendrup.
The game began with Genoa looking to break their losing streak, having suffered two consecutive defeats. They took the lead in the 60th minute when Vitinha, who had just come on as a substitute, found the back of the net with a well-placed shot after a quick counterattack. The goal seemed to ignite Genoa's hopes of ending their slump, but Milan was not to be deterred.
After going down, Milan responded with urgency and intensity. Just a quarter of an hour after conceding, they equalized through Leão, whose deflected shot from a pass by Santiago Giménez caught the Genoa defense off guard. The Portuguese winger, who had been left out of the starting lineup, made an instant impact, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Less than a minute later, Milan took the lead when Leão’s cross into the box was inadvertently turned into his own net by Frendrup, sealing a dramatic turnaround in a matter of moments. This match marked Milan's second consecutive league victory, a much-needed boost as they prepare for the upcoming Coppa Italia final.
In terms of player performances, Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan was instrumental in their success, making several key saves throughout the match. His standout moment came early on when he denied a powerful shot from Brooke Norton-Cuffy, keeping the scores level at a crucial time. Maignan's heroics earned him a rating of 6.5, making him one of the standout players on the pitch.
Defensively, Matteo Gabbia was solid, contributing to Milan's overall defensive efforts with a rating of 6.5. However, Strahinja Pavlovic's performance was less impressive, as he struggled to track Vitinha, which led to Genoa’s opening goal. He received a rating of 5.5, reflecting his shaky performance.
On the other side, Genoa's best player was undoubtedly Vitinha, who scored his first goal of the season, earning a rating of 6.5. Unfortunately for him, his efforts were overshadowed by the late collapse of his team. Genoa's coach, Patrick Vieira, rated 5.5, as his side showed promise but ultimately succumbed to the pressure.
The match began with both teams testing each other’s defenses. Milan's first real chance came in the 36th minute when Theo Hernandez's shot was blocked by Genoa's goalkeeper, Andrea Leali. Genoa, too, had their opportunities, with Norton-Cuffy being denied by a flying save from Maignan early in the match.
In the first half, Milan struggled to find their rhythm, with several players, including Christian Pulisic and Luka Jovic, failing to convert their chances. Pulisic notably missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 41st minute, which could have changed the course of the game earlier.
After the match, Milan's coach Sergio Conceição praised his team's character, stating, "We showed resilience today. It’s never easy to come back from behind, but the players demonstrated their quality and determination. We need to carry this momentum into the Coppa Italia final against Bologna."
The victory not only boosts Milan’s confidence but also keeps them in contention for a strong finish to the season. Despite their mixed performances in the league, their ability to secure vital wins like this one is crucial as they approach the final stages of the campaign.
As for Genoa, they will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their fortunes around. With their confidence shaken after this defeat, Vieira will have to address the lapses in concentration that led to their downfall. Their next match will be critical to regain momentum and restore belief within the squad.
In summary, AC Milan's 2-1 win over Genoa was a testament to their fighting spirit and talent. With Leão stepping up when it mattered most and Maignan providing a solid backbone in goal, the Rossoneri are looking to build on this victory as they prepare for the challenges ahead in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
