AC Milan took another important step towards securing a top eight spot in the Champions League by beating Girona at San Siro on Wednesday night.
It was not an entirely dominant performance from Milan who rode their luck at times, but the only goal of the game came late in the first half through Rafael Leao as he showed one of the few bits of composure.
He collected a pass from Ismael Bennacer and fired a shot into the roof of the net from inside the box, which in the end was enough for the three points. A first clean sheet under Sergio Conceicao was certainly a plus, and now the Rossoneri are sixth in the table with a game to go.
Speaking of Conceicao, after the game he praised the reaction of the players after the defeat to Juventus but admitted there is still a lot of work to be done. Below are five things we learned from the game.
1. Some magic from Mike
With the game being a must-win in the pursuit of direct qualification for the last-16 phase, Milan had little room for errors. Having conceded in every game since Conceicao’s arrival, the rearguard definitely needed to show signs of improvement.
Finally Milan were able to keep an opponent out and a big contributor to that was Maignan, wearing the captain’s armband again. The Frenchman has let in some questionable goals in recent games, where he could’ve done a bit better on less threatening situations.
However, against the LaLiga side he put a very high price on his goal with two huge saves before and after Milan’s opener, which proved crucial in the end given his side won by a one-goal margin.
The paradox with Maignan is that he seems to be on hand to keep out the chances that look very dangerous, while some other areas – like shots at the near post – seem to go in too easily. A balance would probably put everyone at ease.
2. Keep on surfin’
Whilst Maignan was decisive between the sticks it was Leao who was decisive at the opposite end of the pitch. The Portuguese was central to the majority of interesting attacks throughout the game, causing real issues for the young talent Alejandro Francés.
Of course he scored the winner with the only real bit of composure, after a good run and a powerful finish inside the box. Yet, he should have had at least one other goal involvement given that he teed up Theo Hernandez with a cut-back that he somehow scuffed onto the bar.
Leao has evidently improved under Conceicao and it seems that he can only get better from here. His movements have changed drastically especially when drifting centrally, through which he had a chance to score before he actually did before Gazzaniga saved well.
The Portuguese winger joked after the game about how playing on the same side as where the coach stands can be ‘hell’, while Conceicao spoke of the encouraging signs he has seen and the desire to turn Leao into a ‘world class player’ In short, a feeling seems to have quickly blossomed.

3. Rock solid duo
Strahinja Pavlovic ended up in the starting XI after not playing since Conceicao’s arrival, and all while rumours that a move to Fenerbahce for a figure of €20m or more were circling.
The Serbian could have had his mind elsewhere, he really seemed keen on proving he has a place within the squad and the performance against Girona grew as the game went on, after starting a bit like a rottweiler chasing a tennis ball.
The stats line is impressive: Pavlovic had five clearances, two interceptions, three tackles, three ground duels won, three out of three aerial duels won and completed 91% of his passes plus three long balls.
Pavlovic also covered well for Theo at times too, who has not having the best of nights but was lucky that his left-sided partner at the back was on his game. The only issue with Pavlovic has been his ability on the ball and under pressure, but he seemed to iron some of that out.
If he continues to improve in that aspect then there’s no denying that – coupled with his defensive abilities – he has a high potential. Matteo Gabbia also did well alongside Pavlovic winning most of his duels as well as positioning himself well, so both played a part in the clean sheet.
4. Bennacer is back
Ismael Bennacer has been back from his injury for over a month now but against Girona it was the first time we actually saw the player we know and love, so to speak, as he commanded the midfield in both phases of the game.
In his first few outings since returning, Bennacer was perhaps a bit guilty of letting the game bypass him in the most intense moments, while also being a bit careless and untidy in possession.
Offensively he provided the assist for Leao’s goal with a lovely through ball. As mentioned, the attack started from him as he won the ball back in the middle of the pitch with an aggressive recovery, then he had the vision and passing precision to feed the Portuguese.
It was a really encouraging performance by the Algerian, who has lots of qualities that are fitting for Conceicao’s tactics. We are sure the coach would be happy to have a completely fit Bennacer in the middle of the park, not least so Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders can maybe get a rest.

5. Theo giveth and taketh away
It was another poor performance by Theo Hernandez, who got lucky on Girona’s offside goal because he was slow to close down Bryan Gil and would have been at fault if Milan didn’t manage to win the game because of that.
In addition to that particular moment, he was sluggish throughout the game but fortunately the Spaniards didn’t manage to take advantage of it in the same way that other opponents have in recent weeks.
Sometimes Theo is able to counteract a shaky defensive performance by contributing at the other end but he also struggled to get going in attack. He missed a big chance missed in the first half after Leao set him up brilliantly, leaning back and snatching at it rather than getting his head over the ball.
In the second half he had a chance to double the lead but took a bit too long and placed his shot wide from short distance, lashing it into the side netting. Theo and Leao were both on form against Como and prior to that in the Supercoppa final, but it needs to be more than the odd game.
Pavlovic and Gabbia are beast yesterday. With Thiaw, we don’t need Tomori. Should consider to play 352 with Theo in midfield. Guy can’t defend at all. Girona mostly attack from the left
Talks about not needing Tomori, then says we should play 3 at the back.
Do you guys play only FIFA or something? Is fatigue not a thing to you lot?
We need players for rotation, so that when players get injured/suspended/tired we can bring others in to take their places.
Playing 2 CBs right now with rotation is barely possible with 4 CBs in the team. Thiaw injured till Feb and Tomori suspended this match, if we had sold Pavlovic, we would have had to play Bartesaghi or someone else from Futuro or Primavera.
And here you’re talking about playing 3CBs all the time and SELLING Tomori? You are on drugs mate.
Good answer, the hatred for tomori by some Milan fans is too obvious but thanks they’re not the coach.
Well they are trying to sell Pavlovic, who is better than Tomori. When someone is paying 25 million for Tomori, should have sold him. Can get back up defenders cheaply. It is not about hate on Tomori. but Pavlovic played really well yesterday, younger and hungrier. So if one to get sold, it should be him. Yes I wish 352 to accommodate Theo but Conceicao always back 4. My opinion does not matter as I am not the coach
Oh Walker can play as CB too. Bartesaghi and Terraciano also play as CB. Milan is broke. So yes if one defender has to go, it should be Tomori, who I rate as 4th out of current defenders.
Conceicao doesn’t think the same way.
Our coach, who actually won a trophy with Tomori in the team after 7 days and 2 matches, wants him to stay.
So I guess none of your Tomori-hating opinion’s matter. Coach who sees them in training and doesn’t agree with you.
Too bad for you lot I guess…
In the six games prior to the Supercoppa, Milan had kept four clean sheets, all with Gabbia-Thiaw as the CB pair. This past game was Conceicao’s first clean sheet in six matches with Milan. It was also his first game without Tomori. Ultimately a small sample size, but there it is.
🤣 true he is on drugs🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kudos to Bennacer. I’ve been critical of him in the past but he was the difference in the midfield. His weighted pass to Leao was a thing of beauty.
Gabbia and Pavlovic were solid – Pavlovic really hustled and bled on the back line. Girona admittedly were fairly toothless going forward, but the CBs were solid and didn’t make any major gaffes.
No Emerson Royale? No problem. Calabria stepped in, as he always does.
The final result should have been 3-0, not 1-0. Theo should have blasted the ball (not chipped) into the goal on the one he nearly whiffed; Musah unlucky with a post; Leao had 2-3 other good chances.
You are so right. I admit it, i had given up on Bennie, he is good, like really really good but since his injury, i hadnt seen it and thought the Bennie we knew was gone. Glad to see he’s getting back. God knows we need good midfields.
Pavlovic looked shaky at times, but that’s expected. I was surprised how fast he was and how good in the air he was. He is still young and very young for a CB. Even though he looks 50. 🙂 .
Of course you gave up on a player who helped deliver a Scudetto and one of our longest serving players.
It’s that kind of loyalty that drives so much success for Milan.
Bennie came back from injury last year and looked like a sausage stuffed into a Milan shirt. That is not the dedication of a s elite athlete.
Then he got injured again. This makes his durability suspect.
He comes back this time looking fit, trim and a bit rusty.
That is a reasonable way to evaluate the situation is it not?
By your criteria he can play until he is 65 because he won a Scudetto? He can play at 180lbs because he won a Scudetto?
There is a fair exchange of value here. I get best effort and he gets my support.
See Musah who is not yet great but nobody doubts his effort.
See Calabria who clearly damaged his shoulder and grinta-ed his way through the game anyway.
See Leao who I wanted to leave after cooling-gate. Dude is becoming a complete player and cajoling those who are not these days. He gets my support again
My support is earn d by past deeds and current contributions. I’m sorry you feel the need to revive those of us who can find a player wanting then be willing to admit we have ad a change of heart
What is a world like with shades of grey in it?
Theo has gotten to the point where Calabria is looking like the better fullback, and I support Calabria to start cuz he next to Emerson he looks like Cafu, but he should never be outperforming theo. Conceicao needs to have a serious look at him and potentially bench him if this continues. Having him and emerson on the wings rn is just asking to concede goals
Emerson is likely gone in the next 2 weeks. Walker is in the wings ready to join the Rossoneri.
He’s out for 2-3 months bro. If you mean gone to sit in the stands, then yeah you’re right.
Theo is as he’s always been. Great going forward, Lazy coming back. Problem is that his offense has been shaky, so people are seeing more of his defensive shortcomings.
It’s always been like that, if anything, i think during his time at Milan, he has gotten better offensively but has been the same defensively.
Calabria and Theo perfectly compliment each other because one is better at defending and the other at attacking (although Calabria has contributed more than his fair share of goals and assists over the years).
The team was perfectly balanced with more of an attacking focus down the left where we blew sides away.
Calabria and Saelemaekers down the right then provided a different type of partnership.
In the middle we had Tonali/Krunic/Kessie/Bennacer who provided defensive cover for Theo as well.
Pulisic mixed things up in a good way but imagine if we had just signed him and played him AM, and kept everyone else from the side that made it to semi-finals of the Champions league?
Instead we fiddled whilst Milan burned.
1. I pointed out this during the previous game, but when our best players perform as they should, we can win, when they don’t, forget about it. Yesterday Leão performed as he should, he was great in both phases, monster finish, could have had an assist and even helped defensively. On the other hand, our other “best player” almost costed us the win, if it wasn’t offside by a toe. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long fot the next good game of Leão, let’s hope.
2. Speaking of the other “best player”, let’s get another left-back, this winter or summer or whatever and not the deputy kind, but the good kind. Let’s at least have assurances this time around.
3. The pressing in the first half was good but clumsy at times, during the second half our game was non-existant, although after that dissalowed goal, we closed up pretty well. I don’t know if this is due to being scared, the players being tired because they exerted too much energy or it’s a fitness issue, but this is worrying…
4. You DON’T start a player who is almost on his way out. I don’t know who is behind this decision, but this stup!d!ty of the next level. We could have gotten rid of one of our worst player for actual money and perhaps finance another transfer, but now all of this is gone.
5. Bennacer being somehow good shouldn’t be an excuse not to purchase a midfielder. He doesn’t replace either Fofana or Reijnders anyways, who are exhausted and he will likely get injured again.
There’s something going on with the management and Calabria.
For Milan to be still starting Emerson whilst he’s on his way out, even when Calabria is coming out and completely outperforming Emerson, suggests there’s something really fishy going on.
The management turned on Calabria over the contract negotiations.
You might be right, but it could also be that Calabria just isn’t fast enough to stay with most left wings these days. Hell, he can’t even stay with most left backs these days. I still like him in the squad, because he’s one of our only senior leaders on the field. Walker should fix that.
I don’t understand it either.
There only so many over 23 ex Milan-academy players out there of serie a standard.
Who else are they going to fill that slot with?
There not even many on loan academy players to recall. Most have been fully sold.
At this point next season we will fill one of 4 academy slots with Gabbia.
Possibly two more if Pobega and Colombo returned from their current loans. That seems unlikely.
Surely Calabria is at least good enough to be a bench level defender occupying an otherwise vacant academy slot.
He must have really p!$$ed off someone in management.
Perhaps he is driving a hard bargain on wage demands knowing unique position as an academy slot player.
Or he can walk as a free agent into another serie a club and occupy a national trained list place.
1. Playing Emerson yesterday was amateur hour. Makes no sense. Would love an explanation.
2. Conceciao is bringing out the best in Leao. His work rate has increased and he’s setting up his teammates with great opportunities to score. If only they could finish! In this moment all I think he needs is to be consistent every game.
3. Morata is not very good.
4. If Musah could learn to make the right decisions in the final third he could be a great player.
5. Bennacer had a great game but I hope it’s not a one time thing. We shall see.
Musah won’t be a great player because he doesn’t pass and holds onto the ball too long, and has zero positional and footballing awareness.
Just because he can dribble like the best footballer in the playground doesn’t make him a good professional footballer.
Sad but true. Musah used to captain the England U15s which contained Bellingham, Palmer, Musiala. The difference is the later are footballers and Musah is an athlete. He still hasn’t hit his ceiling and he could become a serviceable player but his awareness on the pitch is lacking.
I kinda like the idea of converting Musah to a right back. He’s not a right wing. He’d be a fine right wing back, but I think he could be turned into a real right back still. His 1v1 defending is excellent. He needs to learn more of the defensive positioning, but it’s not that complicated out on the edge.
Maybe not but agree to disagree 🙂 I think he can be great but he needs to work on his decision making. He’s got a lot of potential but he might not ever get there.
You said: “Conceição is bringing out the best in Leao. His work rate has increased and he’s setting up his teammates with great opportunities to score.” I’m glad that now you’re seeing Leão’s quality, but sorry, I must say the following:
Confessedly you’ve been watching AC Milan for just one and a half seasons. Do you think Rafa’s assists are something new? He is the 7th player with the most assists in the entire history of AC Milan (yes, all players considered since 1899). And also one of the only 4 players in Milan’s history with 50+ goals scored for Milan (he got 65) and 50+ assists completed for a goal (he got 57). The other three are the Milan legends Kaká, Gianni Rivera, and Seedorf (very good company!). He is also the only active footballer in the world who is in the top 20 for goals scored for Milan and top 10 for assists completed for Milan.
That is, by now Rafa fully qualifies, based on his goal participation, as a Milan legend (and he’s not done yet; he will continue to increase his tally). This has not just happened under Conceição. He’s been excellent for three and a half seasons, although a segment of the fan base stupidly say that he should be sold, and continue to underestimate him.
I told you that Rafa is a great player, when you were calling him lazy every other post. Do you see now how good he is?
Rafa could have had 2 assists this game; maybe even 3; the third being less clear (to Morata who shot horribly wide and hit a defender) but the other two were missed sitters and should have been scores: one to Theo who wasted it sending a weak ball to the crossbar, and one to Musah who incredibly didn’t take the shot although Rafa set him up in a 1 v 1 against the goalkeeper 3 meters away, and no defenders challenging him, but Musah instead of simply scoring an easy tap in, instead crossed to no one. Last game Reijnders didn’t convert Rafa’s great pass either. This is actually a regular occurrence and has happened numerous times in the last three and a half seasons.
If his companions finished better the excellent scoring opportunities that Rafa regularly delivers to them, his number of assists would be stratospheric (and we’d have been higher on the table).
Rafa is definitely not the problem with AC Milan. Instead, he is a huge asset to the team.
Anyone who doubts Rafa’s quality either doesn’t know ball or just plain hating. The only issue I, and many others I believe, have with him is mentality. It looks like he is perhaps too comfortable with where he is at this phase of his career. Like he is satisfied with his achievements (which is great) so far.
Plays for a big club, won a trophy, plays for his country, check, check, check.
For his talents, that should be the bare minimum. We’ve watched Vini, Mbappe, Haaland, Bellingham, Musiala and so many others take their games to greater heights in the years since we won the Scudetto and its a bit frustrating to see because numerous times he has show us how devastating he can be and he is one of ours.
He should always be among the Balon D’Or conversations every year, even if not necessarily winning it, till the latter parts of his career. That’s how good he is (or can be).
Maybe this is his ceiling and we’ll get nothing more than we already have but I’m not ready to concede that yet.
I always saw his quality. I’ve defended his quality. I just said over the year and a half I’ve been following Milan that he is lazy defensively and lazy after he loses the ball. Maybe he wasn’t like that before but I’m just relaying what I’ve seen. Now I’m saying that his work rate has increased significantly and that’s a good thing. Now he just needs to be consistent.
That was so embarrassing when Emerson got burned then acted hurt, as an excuse. Everyone knew he was just embarrassed. And he should be.
Nobody leaves the field after 2 minutes out of embarrassment. I’m sorry but that is just bullish!t.
It was obvious the he pulled a muscle.
He should never have started when he was about to be transferred and Calabria was available. That was just stupid. Which makes me doubt if the transfer rumours were ever true.
Now we will never know.