AC Milan claimed their first Champions League victory of the season as they managed to beat Dinamo Zagreb by three goals to one. Several players did well in what was a strong team performance and down below are the ratings.
Starting XI
Maignan (6): He didn’t really have to do that much this evening as the away side only had three shots on target. He couldn’t do much about the goal (great finish) and he was comfortable on the ball once again.
Calabria (6.5): Solid display from the captain with many interceptions and good passing for most of the game. He was the first man that got beat on the goal, even though that was a rather collective mistake (and a great goal to be fair).
Kalulu (7): He did well throughout the game and really battled with the Dinamo forwards. He won many duels and wasn’t afraid to move forward with the ball, but he also chose the right moments to do so.
Tomori (7): The Englishman was a tough man to beat this evening and he managed to get an advantage early on. He also helped create the penalty for Milan with a very smart pass to Leao.
Hernandez (7): If the defence was one of his flaws last season, or perhaps the season before, that no longer seems to be the case. Even when he has pushed up (and must recover), he makes life difficult for the opposing attack. He also got a good assist for Pobega.
Bennacer (7): The engine in the centre of the pitch and he was probably the player that had the ball the most before he got subbed off. He was always very focused in the pressing phase and that was necessary against Dinamo.
Tonali (6.5): It’s clear that he had a slightly different role tonight as Dinamo played with a three-man backline. He was allowed to roam free quite a lot in the attacking phase and he didn’t always get paid for it. Even though he was important, he was offside a bit too many times.
Saelemaekers (7): He had good and bad moments in the first half, without a doubt, but he grew after scoring what was an important goal. It was a great header and he has really started his UCL adventure well.
Diaz (6): He lost too many duels in attack and also had quite a few misplaced passes. That’s not to say he didn’t have good moments, but more is required to get a better rating. In fairness to him, he won a lot more defensive duels which was nice to see.
Leao (7 – MOTM): He did look a bit lacklustre towards the end but one thing is for sure: he’s a key player for Milan. He won the penalty and also assisted the second goal thanks to a great dribble and cross. It’s a shame that he’s suspended against Napoli.
Giroud (7): Even though he didn’t always get opportunities himself, he was an important reference point for Milan and he created space for his teammates. He also added another goal to his tally with the penalty.
Substitutes
Pobega (7): In the first few minutes, he wasn’t on the ball that much but he always made sure to change his position and facilitate the play for his teammates. The goal was a nice one-two with Theo and the finish certainly was great. His first for Milan.
De Ketelaere (6): A decent outing from the youngster with a few good ball controls here and there. He should have done better towards the end as his cross ended up being cleared, but otherwise solid.
Messias (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
Krunic (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
Dest (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
