AC MILAN HEAD TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGES

AC Milan beat FC Salzburg comfortably in the decisive final group game to book their place in the last 16 of Europe’s biggest competition, eight years since they last achieved it. At San Siro, the Rossoneri deservedly achieved qualification after dominating the entire 90 minutes, with a result that was never in doubt. They ended a lively and fast-paced first half in the lead, before steamrolling the Austrians after the break with three second-half goals, as well as hitting the woodwork twice. At the end, Pioli’s side celebrated in front of their fans, as they ended their Champions League group in second place with ten points.

Olivier Giroud with two goals and a dominating aerial performance, and Rade Krunić, lining up behind the number 9, both had excellent games. There was also an important clean sheet for Tătărușanu and the Rossoneri defensive unit, who were rarely called into action after the break. All eyes now look ahead to their next appointment, as Spezia arrive at San Siro on Saturday 5 November. Two days later, on Monday 7 November, we will find out our next European opponents with the draw being made in Nyon.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v FC SALZBURG

MATCH REPORT
AC Milan started strongly and had their first chance of the game inside three minutes: Rebić played through Theo who controlled and lined up a shot from the edge of the area, but his strike hit the outside of the post. The away side were aggressive and took advantage of an error by Kjær after ten minutes: Okafor picked up the ball, played in Kjærgaard, whose sweet left-footed strike was superbly blocked by a flinging Tomori. The lead came about on the 14th-minute mark: Tonali’s corner was met by Giroud in the centre of the area who headed home to set off wild celebrations at San Siro, 1-0 AC Milan. But FC Salzburg were well in the game and it was Tomori again in the thick of the action stopping Adamu twice after 17 and 18 minutes. Another lung-busting run from Theo Hernández frightened the Austrian backline after 26 minutes, but Köhn blocked out the Captain’s shot; Giroud followed up the rebound to slot home, but he was in an offside position and the goal was rightly cancelled out. At the end of the half, Tătărușanu blocked Sučić’s attempts from the edge of the area, and then from Adamu at close range. It ended 1-0 at the break.

Only a minute after the restart and AC Milan doubled their lead: Rebić’s cross from the right was set up nicely by Giroud for Krunić, who headed home perfectly to make it 2-0. FC Salzburg fell to pieces and the home side got their third after 57 minutes: a mazy run across the edge of the box by Leão ended with him putting in a cross from the right; the visitors’ defence failed to clear the ball and Giroud was there on hand to smash home past Köhn to grab his second. The Rossoneri controlled the tempo and possession, with the Austrians struggling to muster up anything and counter back. AC Milan continued to push forward and after 66 minutes Leão smacked a shot against bar, after Theo’s cross. Changes were made but they made no difference to the game and the second part of the half saw Pioli’s side manage and see the game out with ease. In stoppage-time, the fourth goal arrived through Messias, who gained yards up the pitch, cut inside and curled a left-footed shot into the net. It ended 4-0 at San Siro.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 4-0 FC SALZBURG

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătărușanu; Kalulu (86' Gabbia), Kjær, Tomori, Hernández (78' Ballo-Touré); Tonali, Bennacer (68' Pobega); Rebić, Krunić (78' De Ketelaere), Leão (68' Messias); Giroud. Subs: Jungdal, Mirante; Dest; Díaz; Origi. Coach: Pioli.

FC SALZBURG (4-3-1-2): Köhn; Dedić, Solet (46' Bernardo), Pavlović, Wöber (77' Ulmer); Seiwald, Gourna-Douath (64' Kameri), Kjærgaard; Sučić; Adamu (61' Šeško), Okafor (77' Koita). Subs: Mantl, Walke; Piątkowski, Van Der Brempt; Diarra, Kameri; Šimić. Coach: Jaissle.

Referee: Matheu Lahoz (ESP).
Goals: 14' Giroud (M), 46' Krunić (M), 57' Giroud (M), 91' Messias (M).
Booked: 43' Okafor (S), 61' Gourna-Douath (S).

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