Notes On A 3-1 UCL Home Win Versus Dinamo Zagreb

While holding the majority of the ball Milan, and Zagreb as well, were not clean in possession in the early minutes. Giroud and Tonali had the early half chances.

Best chance came in the 21st minute when Leao was free onto goal but Sadegh Moharrami recovered well enough to push the ball into a corner. Moments later Bennacer forced a good save from Dominik Livakovic in Zagreb’s goal.

Moharrami forced a save from Maignan for his team’s best chance yet in the 28th minute. Milan missed the target more often than not and was unable to breakthrough Zagreb’s defensive shape but the goal finally arrived just before half time. Josip Sutalo made slight contact with Leao and Giroud converted the penalty.

Milan doubled their lead early in the second. Saelemaekers met Leao’s cross with a head and scored an excellent goal for the second Champions League game in a row. The score line didn’t last long. Mislav Orisc assisted by Bruno Petkovic beat a whole crowd of Milan players inside the box with smart looking shot that just eluded Maignan.

Pobega and De Ketelaere came on for Tonali and Giroud. The game was relatively quiet before Pobega extended the lead. A passing movement ended with a give and go between the scorer and Theo. Pobega found himself open and his shot went in just under the crossbar, this was the 23 year old’s first Milan goal. Messias, Krunic and Dest came on for Saelemaekers, Bennacer and Diaz right after the goal.

The game ended with an overall comfortable 3-1 win and first home Champions League win.