Another wasteful Champions League night for Milan witnessed an array of misses as Rossoneri drew 0-0 against Borussia Dortmund. After a scoreless stalemate against Newcastle United in their opening Group F outing, Stefano Pioli’s side delivered another wayward showing in front of goal.
Despite creating numerous presentable opportunities in front of Gregor Kobel’s goal, Milan couldn’t find the net at Signal Iduna Park. As was the case against Newcastle, a lack of composure cost the Italians dearly, as their barren run in the Champions League group stages continued under frustrating circumstances.
Olivier Giroud unfathomably spurned a glorious chance to give Milan a lead late in the first half. After the break, Christian Pulisic came close to scoring against his former side, but Kobel pulled off a stunning save to thwart the USMNT star. The Dortmund goalkeeper was up to the task again to deny Samuel Chukwueze in a one-on-one situation.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-3-3)
Mike Maignan – 7.5
Although he didn’t have a chance to intervene in any crucial situation inside the box, the Frenchman made several comfortable saves to stop Dortmund’s long-range attempts. It was another solid performance from the star keeper.
Davide Calabria – 6.5
He was a near-anonymous figure on the opposition half. To his credit, his defending against Donyell Malen was spot on. But he needs to provide depth on the right side, as Milan’s attacks look one-dimensional otherwise.
Malick Thiaw – 7
The highly-rated German is growing with each game passing. He was a beast at the back tonight, giving his international colleague Niclas Fullkrug a run for his money. His calmness in possession was admirable at one of the most formidable venues in European football.
Fikayo Tomori – 7.5
Like his center-back partner, the Englishman plugged every hole to keep Maignan safe and sound. Milan’s backline is on a different level when he’s on the field, as evidenced by a fourth clean sheet in five matches since his return to the fold after the Derby della Madonnina fiasco.
Theo Hernandez – 7
One of the world’s best left-backs lived up to the billing again, putting a shift in to fend off Marco Reus. Attacking-wise, it was another day in the office. Despite failing to score or assist, he was a nightmare for Edin Terzic’s side this evening.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
He completed several bursting runs down the middle, carrying the ball forward with speed and authority. However, his finishing let him down again as he latched onto the loose ball on the edge of the box but failed to hit an empty net.
Tommaso Pobega – 6
Pioli gave the Italian midfielder an unexpected chance to start, which proved a mistake. Though no one can argue his willingness to impress the manager, he was way too slow for Dortmund’s mobile engine room, never gaining a foothold in the game.
Yunus Musah – 6.5
In contrast to Pobega’s sluggish display, the United States international was the epitome of pace and energy. Unfortunately, he couldn’t put his tireless runs to good use, with his poor decision-making leading to some rookie mistakes.
Rafael Leao – 7.5
He’s the man for a big occasion! For those doubting his class, check the highlights on YouTube! He made a menace of himself all night long, twisting and turning his markers like children on the playing ground. It’s a shame his fellow attacking comrades couldn’t keep up with him.
Christian Pulisic – 6
The marquee summer signing could’ve and should’ve scored at the start of the second half. Despite showing occasional flashes of his well-documented acceleration and trickery, the final touch often let him down when it mattered the most.
Olivier Giroud – 5.5
It’s incredible how he skied the ball over the bar from a couple of yards out. He’s seemingly running out of steam, and Pioli should consider benching him in high-octane matches. It seems his age is taking its toll.
Substitutes
Yacine Adli – 7
The resurgent Frenchman was a noticeable upgrade on Pobega. His introduction helped Milan impose themselves in the center of the pitch after being forced to chase the shadows for almost 60 minutes.
Noah Okafor – 5
The Austrian youngster barely touched the ball since coming on.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6
He’ll be kicking himself for squandering a massive opportunity to seal three points for Milan in the dying stages.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5
Not one of his best nights in the Rossoneri shirt.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |