AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek believes that it was a case of Borussia Dortmund exploiting the space left between the lines and taking their chances better in last night’s 3-1 defeat.
Olivier Giroud missed an early penalty which set the tone, and Marco Reus made no mistake when Dortmund were given one of their own. Samuel Chukwueze’s first goal for Milan made it level going into the break, but it was downhill from there.
Malick Thiaw’s injury forced Rade Krunic to come on at centre-back and that appeared to be a big turning point in the game. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens put the away side 2-1 up with a smart finish, and then Karim Adeyemi scored 10 minutes later to make sure of the points.
The result means that Milan now have to win at Newcastle United in the final round of the group while Dortmund must avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain to go through.
Loftus-Cheek spoke to Sky after the game to try and assess what was a difficult night for the team in front of a sold out San Siro crowd, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“I think it was an even match. Both teams had possession and opportunities. We started well but then they reacted and when they scored it was difficult for us. Qualification is still possible.
“I found little space in midfield and in the attacking midfield. There were limited spaces and it was frustrating. But we had our chances.
“We have to do our part, make sure we win. After that it will be up to the other teams: we can just do this.”
The English midfielder also spoke to the club’s official channel Milan TV and explained a bit more regarding what didn’t work on the night.
“We started very well, we had good chances. They took theirs, we didn’t do the same with ours. Not one of our best nights.
“There were too many spaces between the lines, we had difficulties. However, we had our chances, which we didn’t take advantage of. In football it counts to put them in. Now let’s go and give everything to Newcastle.
“Do we believe? Yes, we have to. But we can only focus on Newcastle, then it depends on Dortmund and PSG. We have to do our part and let’s see what happens.”
