Following the disappointing result and performance as a whole against Torino, Milan reacted immediately and in the best possible moment as they ran riot against RB Salzburg, winning 4-0 and securing a spot in the Champions League last 16.
The game started off well for the Rossoneri with Theo Hernandez hitting the woodwork early on followed by a Olivier Giroud goal in the 14th minute to open the scoring. In the second half it only took Milan a minute to double their lead through Rade Krunic, and that seemed to settle the nerves.
Ten minutes later, Rafael Leao dazzled with a mazing run around the penalty area and via a richochet his cross found Giroud, who netted his second on the night. Giroud then turned provided for his fourth goal contribution as he sent Junior Messias away who scored to make it 4-0.
It had the air of one of those special European nights at a sold out San Siro as the Rossoneri walked into the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 2013-14. Here are five things we learned…
1. Outstanding performance
Giroud hasn’t been in red-hot form recently as he often failed to be as crucial and clinical as we have become used to, but against Salzburg the Frenchman was simply outstanding and basically unplayable.
With two well taken goals, an assist on the second goal and another assist on the fourth – where he played very the situation very well by showing his hold-up ability and passing – it was pretty much a perfect night.
The 36-year-old is now only two goals away from hitting double digits for the season and he has proved crucial for Milan helping his team secure the second spot in the group as well as showing France why he has to have a place at the World Cup. Not bad for a €2m deal.
2. Back to their best
Theo Hernandez and Leao were undoubtedly among the flops against Torino, but the duo did not need a lot of time to react as they hit the ground running against Salzburg.
Whilst Giroud stole the show, Theo and Leao were very active on the left side, creating a lot of chances as they were unlucky to not pick up more than what was virtually an assist for the Portuguese winger for Giroud’s second goal.
Theo was up and down the pitch and he managed to hit the woodwork early on and then was unlucky to not pick up an assist after a lovely cross ended up with Leao hitting the bar.
The Portuguese also had a positive night as he was involved in a lot of the attacks. There were a few moments where he could have passed the ball but decided to go for goal himself, which was understandable since it’s only natural for a player of his calibre to want a goal to his name.
3. Midfield duo dominant
With Bennacer in the midfield from the start it seems to be a whole different picture as the Algerian was all over the place. It seems impossible to get him off the ball at times given his low centre of gravity and endless hustle, while he also progresses play effectively which other options don’t.
His partner in crime, Tonali, was also much better compared to the Torino game as he picked up an assist after a lovely corner kick and seemed more focused overall evident by the nice movements and one touch football we saw at times.
The challenge for Pioli now is to try and find a way to ensure that the team remain as effective when Tonali and Bennacer are not on the field together, as so far it has compromised midfield stability.
4. Solid defensive display
After some not so satisfying overall defensive performances in recent weeks it was refreshing to see such a focused and determined defensive effort.
Kjaer and Tomori did well as the centre-back duo with Kalulu and Theo Hernandez doing a wonderful job at their side, involving themselves in both phases of the game.
Excluding a couple of chances Salzburg had in the first half, where Kalulu and Tomori made crucial interventions, the overall display was a promising one against a side that usually knows how to find the back of the net.
5. Pioli got it right
It would be unfair to not praise Pioli at least a little. The coach chose the correct starting XI for a delicate game where even a point would have been enough, because the side started strong and showed absolutely no intention of trying for a draw.
The Italian has done well to prepare his team after the back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and after the Torino loss, as it seemed that those results hadn’t affected the squad at all which is down to the coach as much as it is down to the players.
Pioli was also rewarded for his excellent work as he extended his contract until 2025 prior to the Champions League game and he responded to that with a big 4-0 win that sent his team into the knockout stages.
