Notes On A 2-2 Tie Given Away To Red Star
A changed team featured Tomori, Kalulu, Meite, Krunic and Mandzukic, the latter playing up front for his first Milan start.
Early minutes featured two disallowed goals when Castillejo was called offside after breaking through and beating Milan Borjan in Red Star’s goal and a bit later when a cross was missed by the goalie and defenders and fell to Theo to tap in, the player was called for a hand ball after VAR review.
On the other side of the pitch Tomori and Kalulu looked promising and solid. Tomori’s pace was a good complement to Romagnoli.
In the 22nd minute another breach of Red Star’s central defence resulted in Rebic just shooting high. Krunic was inches away from a great assist.
As the minutes went by Red Star settled into the game and troubled Milan.
In the 38th minute Bennacer was subbed off for Tonali, the Algerian injured his thigh or hamstring.
A goal arrived but it was an own goal when Radovan Pankov diverted a weak Castillejo under his goalie.
The half time score was 1-0.
Leao came on for Rebic at the half, perhaps to inject more directness and pace.
Red Star equalized early on, a ball was shot from close range and hit the inside of Romagnoli’s raised arm, while a penalty was correct the additional yellow was yet another refereeing mistake. Without question.
Milan got a penalty back, Theo running into the area was brought down or perhaps fell down somewhat easily but the defender had made no attempt to get to the ball, VAR awarded the penalty and Theo converted.
Milan had a few encouraging moments but Red Star regained some momentum around the 70th minute.
Dalot came on Theo at the same time when Milan Rodic was sent off for a second yellow after bringing down Leao.
Hkan came on for Mandzukic and his first contribution was a freekick that was headed on by Meite and well diverted over the bar by Milan Borjan.
The stats would show that the ball was given away far too often and Milan failed to take advantage of Red Star’s very apparent vulnerability at the back.
Poor so called clearances and giveaways handed the tie to Red Star. Milan Pankov scored from a corner right before the end but the player was offside right before the ball drifted out for the corner, apparently the rules have to remain confusing and vague.