ROSSONERE BEATEN IN GAMPER TROPHY | OneFootball

Facing Barcelona, the reigning European champions and current rulers of Spanish football was a significant opportunity for AC Milan. Under Coach Bakker, the new-look AC Milan side, who had shown promise in matches against Nice and Newcastle, went up against one of the most formidable teams in women’s football. The match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff proved to be a challenging test.  The home team dominated throughout, winning 2-0, with goals from Pajor in the first half and Alexia in the second, as they secured the fourth edition of the Women's Gamper Trophy. Despite the defeat, AC Milan showed great spirit in what was always going to be an uphill battle.

The primary reason for the match was to jointly celebrate the 125th anniversary of both clubs' founding. However, the Rossonere also gained valuable insights as a team, key aspects to focus on in the short term to improve their condition and performance. In terms of the game itself, there was no lack of effort or sacrifice despite facing such a challenging test. Now, preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 season will intensify as the official start draws near. The season kicks off on Sunday, 1 September, at 20:30 CEST, with an away match against Como Women in Serie A Femminile.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM BARCELONA v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT Right from the start, Barcelona took control of the game. The first chances came early. In the seciond minute, Pina shot over the bar. In the third, Schertenleib unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, hitting the crossbar; and in the eleventh minute, Giuliani denied Graham. The Blaugrana winger proved to be the main attacking threat, leading to the opening goal (17') she crossed into the box, finding Pajor, who skillfully shook off Swaby and headed home to give Barcelona the lead. The intense offensive pressure continued, with Giuliani remaining alert, blocking Walsh on 21', making a flying save on Pina on 22', and comfortably stopping Caño on 27'. When Giuliani couldn’t intervene, like on Pajor’s close-range effort, the crossbar once again came to the rescue. On 40', Graham’s cross seemed harmless but struck the post, and a minute later, Schertenleib’s left-footed shot went over the bar. In injury time, Graham came close with a flick at the near post. The first half ended with Barcelona leading 1-0.

Into the second half. Caño soared during a corner but missed the target (47'). Just two minutes later, the lively Graham took a shot (deflected by Soffia), adding to the list of near misses. Pina made a sharp run in on 54' but was off target with her finish. The 62nd minute saw another Graham-Giuliani face-off, with Laura’s gloves prevailing once more. Moments later, AC Milan had a huge chance. Sevenius won the ball and surged towards Gemma, but her right-footed shot went astray. In the 67th minute, Barcelona seemed to have doubled their lead with a close-range touch from Segura, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the final minutes, our goalkeeper stepped up again. On 77', she stretched out to save from Brugts. On 84' she leapt to deny Kika and on 87', she thwarted Alexia. However, captain Putellas delivered a stunning performance, scoring a brilliant long-range lob on 90'. The final whistle blew: 2-0.

MATCH DETAILS

BARCELONA 2-0 AC MILAN

BARCELONA (4-3-3): Gemma; Jana (65' Engen), Marta (74' Szymczak), León (74'  Serrajordi), Brugts (83' Alexia); Schertenleib (46' Vicky) (83' Aitana), Walsh (83' Patri), Caño (74' González); Graham (65' Segura), Pajor (83' Batlle), Pina (65' Kika). Unused subs: Muñoz. Coach: Romeu.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Koivisto (80' Vigilucci), Swaby (88' Karczewska), Piga, Soffia (66' Sorelli); Mascarello (46' Ávila), Mesjasz, Ijeh (80' Cernoia); Marinelli (66' Stokić), Sevenius (80' Nadim), Dompig. Unused subs: Fedele, Tornaghi; Bahlouli. Coach: Bakker.

Referee: Jiménez (SPA).

Goals: 17' Pajor (B), 90'+1' Alexia (B).

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