Cagliari x Milan - Highlights, Summary and Match Report

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·2 January 2026

Cagliari x Milan - Highlights, Summary and Match Report

In a tightly contested Serie A match at the Sardegna Arena, AC Milan managed to edge out Cagliari with a 1-0 victory. The fixture, which took place on the 2nd of January 2026, saw Milan climb further up the league table in their 18th match of the 2025/26 season. Despite Cagliari's efforts, Milan's quality shone through in a match where both sides had opportunities to score.

The only goal of the match came in the 50th minute when Rafael Leão found the back of the net with a superb left-footed shot from the center of the box, which sailed into the top left corner. The goal, which was Leão's sixth of the competition and his 77th for Milan in 273 matches, was assisted by Adrien Rabiot. Rabiot, showcasing his playmaking skills, delivered a precise cross that set up the decisive moment of the match.

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Statistically, Milan dominated possession with 54% compared to Cagliari's 46% and had more shots on target. Milan registered 11 shots with 4 on target, while Cagliari managed 6 shots with only 1 testing the goalkeeper. Milan's tactical setup and execution on the field allowed them to control the pace and create more significant scoring opportunities.

This victory is crucial for Milan as they continue their pursuit of the Serie A title, demonstrating their resilience and ability to secure wins in challenging away fixtures. Cagliari, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from this setback and improve their performance in upcoming matches to climb out of the lower half of the table.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

Missed opportunity. Matteo Prati from Cagliari attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

1':

Missed opportunity! Matteo Prati from Cagliari takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes wide to the left.

1':

Missed opportunity. Matteo Prati from Cagliari attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

1':

The match begins

2':

Missed opportunity! Marco Palestra from Cagliari took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Michel Adopo.

2':

Missed opportunity! Marco Palestra from Cagliari took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Michel Adopo.

3':

Missed opportunity! Adam Obert from Cagliari takes a right-footed shot from outside the area, but it sails over the crossbar.

3':

Missed opportunity. Matteo Prati from Cagliari takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails over the goal.

17':

Opportunity wasted. Ruben Loftus-Cheek from AC Milan attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the penalty area.

41':

Opportunity wasted. Luca Mazzitelli from Cagliari attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.

47':

Missed opportunity! Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan headed the ball from the center of the box, but it went just wide to the left. The chance was set up by Luka Modric, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

49':

Opportunity wasted. Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan attempted a header from the center of the box, narrowly missing the target. The assist came from Alexis Saelemaekers, who delivered a precise cross.

Cagliari 0, AC Milan 1. Rafael Leão scores for AC Milan with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the top left corner of the net. The assist came from Adrien Rabiot, who delivered a precise cross.

50':