AC Milan did not capitalise, Hajduk did. A few words to sum up the unfortunate Youth League semi-final for the Rossoneri Primavera, who ended their journey in the competition with a 3-1 defeat in the penultimate round. A historic, unforgettable journey that would have deserved a better ending for what was expressed on the pitch at the Stade de Genève. The team proved amply up to the task but had to give way to Hajduk, who were extremely clinical in the few chances they created.
After every goal they conceded, Abate's team always had the courage to react, finding a deserved goal in the at the end by Zeroli, but it was not enough to pull a result into question. In the memory remain the many chances built and the personality shown throughout the 90 minutes by a young team that in this season has grown game after game. Round of applause for everyone, and now eyes on the championship to end the season in the best possible way.
CHECK OUT: GALLERY FROM HAJDUK SPLIT VS AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The first phase of the match was very tight and the teams made several mistakes in their build-up. The game was choppy with few noteworthy chances: El Hilali and Cuenca with attempts for the Rossoneri, Pusktas for the Croatians. The first real chance of note came in the 29th minute when Casali's right-footed shot from the right post forced the opposition keeper to parry. On the following corner, Cuenca anticipates everyone with his header but it hits the crossbar, with Buljan's timely intervention. Hajduk also made an attempt towards the end of the half, this time with Brajković's left-footed shot from the edge of the box going wide without bothering Nava.
At the start of the second half, the Croatians broke the deadlock with the opening goal, scored by Vrcić, who slotted Brajković's assist into the net with the goal practically undefended. AC Milan's reaction was fierce: first Stalmach, after two dangerous corners, committed Buljan from outside the box, then El Hilali, splitting on Victor's assist, again called on the Croatian goalkeeper to respond. In the 63rd minute Cuenca, again from a corner, got there first with a left-footed volley but there was a save on the line to prevent an equaliser. In the 69th minute Hajduk got their noses in front and doubled the lead: Brajković's corner and Pusktas' winning deflection at the front post. Alesi and El Hilali tried to shake the team into action but in the 76th minute the Croatians scored the third goal through Hrgović, who took advantage of a mistake by Coubis and beat Nava. In the 82nd minute Zeroli shortened the deficit with a right-footed shot that Buljan did not hold back. Unfortunately the result never changed: 3-1 Hajduk.
MATCH DETAILS
HAJDUK SPLIT 3-1 AC MILAN
HAJDUK SPLIT (4-3-3): Buljan; Đolonga, Jurić-Petrašilo, Vušković, Š. Hrgović (89' Begonja); Pukstas, Kavelj, Skoko (66' Arković); Vrcić, Antunović (66' Nazor), Brajković (90+3' Reić). Subs: Fesyuk; Ćalušić; Duić. Coach: Budimir.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Nava; Casali (89' Simić), Coubis, Nsiala, Bozzolan (78' Bartesaghi); Stalmach (70' Traorè), Victor, Zeroli; Cuenca (78' Longhi), Sia (70' Alesi), El Hilali. Subs: Bartoccioni; Foglio. Coach: Abate.
Referee: Rohit Saggi (Norway).
Goals: 41' Vrcić (H), 69' Pukstas (H), 76' Hrgović (H), 82' Zeroli (M).
Booked: 31' Casali (M), 33' Vušković (H), 81' Coubis (M), 81' Brajković (H), 87' Pusktas (H)
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