Notes On A Sometimes Frustrating Much Needed 2-0 Win Vs Benevento

Romagnoli got a start in Kjaer’s place, after weeks on the bench. Dalot started for Calabria who like Kjaer was feeling under the weather.
A tentative start changed when a true passing built from the back passage led to Calhanoglu opening the score. Saelemaekers provided the assist.
Minutes later Gianluca Lapadula broke the central defense but was unable to get a shot on goal. Dalot diverted the ball for a a corner just before the former Milan player could.
Not for the first time Leao missed a half chance on a counter as the team looked more fluid but Benevento grew into the game.
Ibra was very vocal, especially with Calhanoglu and Leao. A frustrating half at times could have been 2-0 when Lorenzo Montipo saved a Ibra chance with his right leg.
Bennacer got a questionable yellow for a foul on Lapadula and was in danger of a expulsion after a second foul late. He was replaced by Tonali at half time.
Montipo was tested by Ibra again very early in the second.
Half chances were exchanged early in the second half. This included a a one two between Ibra and Saelemaekers. The goalkeeper did well to stop Ibra’s close range attempt. Another chance was missed when Saelemaekers couldn’t control the ball from Leao.
The second goal arrived, an on side Ibra collected the ball just inside the Benevento box but was denied yet again. The long rebound fell to Theo who shot the ball in.
Lapadula came close soon after to open the scoring for the visitors. Roberto Insigne had another.
A triple sub followed bringing on Castillejo, Rebic and Calabria for Saelemaekers, Leao and Theo. Two of the subs were one yellow away from missing the next match at Juventus. Somewhat inexplicably Hauge was not getting minutes. Brahim was next, for Calhanoglu.
Some close chances and were not finished by either team and into added time Castillejo got a yellow to get himself suspended for the week 35 match.
The 2-0 win was very much needed.