AC Milan winger Rafael Leao was happy to have scored a goal but ultimately very disappointed with the outcome of the game against Atletico Madrid.
Leao got Milan off to a great start as he sent the over 35,000 home fans into raptures with a first half striker before referee Cüneyt Çakır decided to be the centre of attention for two hugely controversial calls that ultimately determined the outcome of the game.
The first came when he sent Franck Kessie off for two yellow cards in the first half when the second looked soft in comparison to some of the other challenges being made. Then, in the 93rd minute, Pierre Kalulu was adjudged to have handled it inside the box but Milan were immediately outraged and the reason behind that was clear.
Leao was interviewed by Sky at the end of the game, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
“A victory would have been better, we created lots before Kessie’s red. We are disappointed, we wanted to win this match and put pressure on the others in our group. We grow from these mistakes and work with our heads held high.
“We know that the Champions League is different from the Serie A, we have to grow with them and do the best we can in the next match. I’m happy with myself but I think it was more important to win the game today.”
Yes, I still believe we can qualify to the round of 16 from that group! Forza Milan!❤️🖤
I believe so too.we should just work on porto.lets put in our best effort I believe we will reach for the Stars
Kessie had better sign the contract after this! If not for his poor recent form and the red card, then to eventually have the last laugh against the coach, when we win the CL in four years’ time…
Forza Milan! The boys gave their hearts! Nothing more to ask from them!
We can still qualify by first of all by winning all remaining encounters.
The worst we could get is qualification for UEL play off, which won’t be bad IMO
The team is young and are getting to know the importance of work and the prestige of the champions league.
I say two to three more UCL appearances and we will start becoming the Milan Europe once knew
We need to offload Kessie in January. He cost us the game. Even Krunic would be better..at least he fights for the shirt. What we need to do is win the next 3 games…ie Beat Porto twice and revenge against Atletico.Liverpool will have topped the group by the time they come to San Siro so they field a weaker team