November 03, (THEWILL) – Milan are on the verge of being knocked out of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Porto at home.
Marko Grujic came on as a late substitute for Mateus Uribe, who was injured, and the midfielder was instrumental in the visitors’ first goal, dispossessing Ismael Bennacer and playing in Luis Diaz, who neatly slotted the ball past Ciprian Tatarusanu after only six minutes.
After Jari Litmanen for Ajax in 1994, that was the second-fastest goal Milan had conceded at home in the competition, and the hosts could only muster a saved Olivier Giroud attempt before half-time.
Early in the second half, Pepe flicked on a free-kick that Evanilson struck the top of the crossbar with a header from close range as Porto came close to extending their lead.
Giroud’s parried shot was sent back across the face of goal by replacement Pierre Kalulu and prodded over the line by Porto defender Mbemba under no real pressure six minutes after that lost opportunity.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to score a late winner, but the offside flag was shortly raised as Stefano Pioli’s team failed to produce the winning goal they so sorely needed.
Milan have won 10 of their first 11 Serie A games, a feat accomplished by only three other teams, but have been unable to extend that form into Europe.
The Rossoneri may have gotten off to a decent start in Group B, stopping a club-record five-game Champions League losing streak, but this effort was not good enough.
As Milan could not find a winner they now require Liverpool to avoid defeat against Atletico Madrid later on Wednesday if they are to dodge elimination with two games to play.
Yet, even if Atletico loses at Anfield, Milan must win their remaining games against the La Liga champions and Liverpool at San Siro, while hoping for other outcomes to go their way. Porto is in second place after a point, but things could change later in the day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
