Milan’s missed chance after Gimenez’s first Serie A goal

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Football Italia

·7 March 2025

Milan’s missed chance after Gimenez’s first Serie A goal

AC Milan secured an important win in a match full of drama and intense action against Empoli in February and will look to that meeting with regrets after three consecutive losses in Serie A.

The game at the Stadio Castellani Computer Gross Arena saw a mixture of tactical adjustments, questionable officiating decisions, and moments of individual brilliance. The home side emerged victorious, thanks in large part to a first goal by Gimenez and two crucial assists from Pulisic. The match also featured a controversial VAR decision that left many fans and bettors with betting sites not on Gamstop disappointed.

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Match Overview

AC Milan displayed determination throughout the match despite a difficult first half. The opposition pressed well, and the midfield struggled to build play. The team’s passing was slow at times, and several mistakes allowed the opponent to create pressure. However, a change in approach after the break lifted the team’s performance. A series of events turned the tide, and AC Milan managed to secure a win that many believed would not have been possible two weeks prior.

In the first half, the defence looked out of sync, and several decisions left supporters questioning the officiating. A notable moment came when the referee missed an offside call. The VAR intervention did not correct the error due to the strict protocols in place, leading to frustration among fans and commentators alike. The pressure on the referee was clear as the decision caused confusion and debate.

Despite these issues, AC Milan managed to work their way back into the game. The tactical shift came when the manager opted to give a chance to a new player who had impressed against Rome. This change helped the team regain their composure and eventually produce the winning moments.

Key Moments

Gimenez’s Goal Gimenez scored his first goal for AC Milan in a stunning fashion. The move was built on precise passes and smart positioning in the final third. The goal sparked celebrations in the stands and on the pitch.
Pulisic’s Assists Pulisic was instrumental in the victory. He provided two key assists that opened up the opposition defence. His quick decisions and sharp passing were a welcome change after a slow start in the midfield.
VAR Controversy The VAR system came under fire during the match. A clear offside was missed, leading to further confusion after a second yellow card was issued to a defender following a hurried challenge. This incident added to the mounting criticism of the current protocol, as it left the referee with little option but to adhere to the established rules.
Defensive Challenges The defensive line faced moments of intense pressure. A misjudged challenge resulted in a second yellow card, highlighting the difficulties faced by the backline. The offside call, or lack thereof, became a point of heated discussion among fans and pundits.

Player Performances

Gimenez

Gimenez’s debut goal marked an important milestone in his career at AC Milan. His movement off the ball was sharp, and he capitalised on the space created by his teammates. The goal was a result of both his hard work in training and his willingness to take risks during the match.

Pulisic

Pulisic shone as he delivered two well-timed assists. His ability to read the game and find gaps in the opposition defence proved critical. Fans praised his work rate and vision on the pitch. His performances have begun to quiet critics who doubted his impact on the team.

VAR Decisions

The match was marred by controversial VAR decisions. The incident involving the offside call was widely debated. Despite clear images on television, the VAR protocol did not allow for intervention. This incident, coupled with the second yellow card given for a rushed challenge, prompted calls for a review of the rules governing video assistance.

Additional Performances

Abraham Although involved in the build-up play, Abraham was less effective in decision-making. His performance was marked by a lack of precision, and he struggled to contribute meaningfully to the attack.
Midfield Duo The pairing of Musah and another midfielder initially provided solidity but later struggled with consistency. Their performance was a mixed bag, with moments of quality overshadowed by several unforced errors.
Defensive Line The backline, including players like Tomori and Walker, had a challenging day. Walker, however, stood out for his reliability. His calm presence in defence reassured the team during periods of intense pressure.

Match Statistics

Below is a summary of the match statistics that highlight key areas of the game:

The table reflects the competitive nature of the match. AC Milan managed to edge out their opponents with slightly better possession and shot accuracy. The game also showed a high number of fouls and offside decisions, which played a significant role in the match’s flow.

Tactical Observations

AC Milan’s tactics evolved as the game progressed. The manager’s decision to make changes during the match proved to be the turning point. Early in the game, the team looked disjointed, and their passing was slow. However, the introduction of fresh legs in the midfield and attack injected new energy into the team.

Formation Changes

The starting formation was not ideally suited to counter the opposition’s pressing. As the match wore on, AC Milan switched their formation to better protect the defence and speed up the build-up play. This change allowed players like Gimenez and Pulisic to find better positions and create more opportunities.

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan salutes the crowd at the end of Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 14, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Offside and VAR Protocol

The match also highlighted issues with the offside rule and VAR implementation. A clear offside was missed during a critical moment, leading to a subsequent second yellow card for a defensive player. The strict adherence to VAR protocols meant that the referee could not overrule the decision, even when the evidence on television was strong. This incident has sparked discussion among supporters and experts who now call for a review of the procedures.

Defensive Adjustments

The defensive unit struggled at times to maintain concentration. Moments of individual error cost the team dearly. However, the performance of Walker in defence provided a sense of security. His ability to read the game and cover gaps allowed AC Milan to avoid further setbacks.

Impact of VAR Decisions

The VAR system has been a subject of debate throughout the season. In this match, the decision not to intervene during a clear offside incident added another chapter to this ongoing discussion. The protocol prevented any adjustments to the referee’s decision, which led to confusion and frustration among fans and commentators alike.

The Controversial Moment

During a key attacking move, the assistant referee flagged for offside. The replay on television suggested a clear case against the defender. However, VAR rules did not allow intervention because the challenge had already led to a second yellow card. This decision, though technically within the rules, raised questions about the effectiveness of the system.

Reactions from the Stands

Fans reacted strongly to the incident. Many were seen gesturing in disbelief and voicing their anger. Supporters on social media echoed these sentiments, calling for changes in the rules governing video reviews. The incident has now added momentum to the discussion about how best to implement technology in football without compromising the flow of the game.

Tactical List of Key Changes

Below is a list of key tactical changes that influenced the outcome of the match:

Midfield Restructuring: The manager switched the midfield pair early in the second half. This change aimed to speed up the build-up and improve ball control.
Defensive Adjustments: The backline was restructured following early mistakes. Walker was given a more central role to organise the defence.
Attacking Focus: The team shifted to a more aggressive approach in the final third. This allowed players like Gimenez and Pulisic to exploit gaps in the opposition defence.
Substitutions: Fresh players were introduced at crucial moments. These substitutions injected energy and helped secure the win.

Analysis of the Final Whistle

When the final whistle blew, AC Milan fans celebrated a hard-earned victory. The win was marked by moments of individual brilliance and collective effort. While the VAR incident remained a point of contention, the team’s resilience was on full display. The tactical changes made during the match proved decisive, and the performance of key players helped the team overcome early setbacks.

The manager praised the players for their determination and the willingness to adapt during the match. Despite the criticisms of some decisions, the overall performance gave fans hope for future matches. The match ended with a sense of relief as the team managed to secure the win under challenging circumstances.

Future Prospects

The match serves as a reminder that even a side struggling in the early stages can turn the game around with the right adjustments. Gimenez’s first goal and Pulisic’s contribution will be remembered as turning points in the game. The incident involving VAR has also added fuel to discussions about the future use of technology in football. Supporters and experts alike will be watching closely as further changes may be on the horizon.