AC Milan Stages Comeback Win Over Bologna
Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic score crucial goals as AC Milan secures a 3-1 win over Bologna, potentially shifting the balance in the Serie A title race.
AC Milan staged a comeback victory over Bologna, securing a 3-1 win at the San Siro. The Rossoneri's triumph, fueled by goals from Jiménez and Pulisic after the hour mark, revitalizes their push for a top-four finish in Serie A.
The match held significant importance for both teams, with Milan seeking to avoid their first finish outside the top six in nine years and Bologna chasing a successful European campaign follow-up. The stakes added weight to the encounter ahead of Milan's upcoming Coppa Italia final.
The match was marked by intense physicality from both teams. However, Fikayo Tomori's early exit in the 12th minute due to a head injury cast a shadow over the game.
The first notable threat came from Benjamin Dominguez, who fired a low, rasping shot from distance that Mike Maignan barely managed to palm away after a turnover in possession.
Aside from a few moments, the first half lacked cohesive play and clear-cut chances. Bologna was the more threatening side, with Riccardo Orsolini hitting the bar from a squared pass by Tommaso Pobega. This miss extended Orsolini's losing streak against Milan, but he used the frustration to his advantage after the break.
Another Rossoneri turnaround for all three points 🔄#MilanBologna pic.twitter.com/qguvIz4dUd
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 9, 2025
Just four minutes into the second half, Orsolini scored, capitalizing on a long ball that Thijs Dallinga headed down the right flank. Orsolini controlled the ball and fired a precise shot into the far corner, giving Bologna the lead.
AC Milan responded strongly after Bologna's goal, with Theo Hernandez having a promising shot saved by Lukasz Skorupski. In reaction to Bologna's triple substitution, Milan's Sergio Conceição brought on fresh faces, including forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Santiago Gimenez.
The impact was immediate, with Gimenez playing a key role in the equalizing move. A turnover in possession sparked a fluid team effort, setting the stage for Milan's comeback.
Milan's equalizing goal came after a turnover in possession, allowing João Félix to find Samuel Chukwueze with a through ball. Although Chukwueze's attempted pass to Santiago Giménez was blocked by Jhon Lucumí, the rebound fell to Christian Pulisic, who swiftly delivered the ball to the unmarked Giménez. Giménez then side-footed the ball past Lukasz Skorupski.
Giménez nearly scored again just two minutes later, lobbing Skorupski from a free kick, but the effort was ruled offside.
A goal and an assist for Pulisic, who wins the Panini Player of the Match award 🏆#MilanBologna pic.twitter.com/tcu6KvjfPR
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 9, 2025
Milan sealed the win in the 79th minute when Christian Pulisic scored after sloppy defending from Bologna. Mike Maignan's long ball down the left flank allowed Samuel Chukwueze to outmaneuver Charalampos Lykogiannis, and his pass to João Félix was nearly fruitful, but Félix's shot was blocked by Sam Beukema. Fortunately for Milan, Pulisic was there to capitalize on the rebound and break Bologna's resistance.
The victory was cemented deep into added time when Santiago Gimenez scored a well-taken third goal, assisted by Chukwueze. This win showcased Milan's resilience, extending their league-high tally of points recovered from losing positions to 22.
Despite a shaky start, Milan emerged as worthy winners, showcasing tactical intelligence and resilience that ultimately paid off. This result could be pivotal in their pursuit of a European spot.
For Bologna, the loss represents a significant missed opportunity. Despite currently sitting above Milan in the table, they will be acutely aware of the points dropped. The team's immediate concern is watching their top-four rivals closely, hoping for favorable results to salvage their season.
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