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.”