Two late goals at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening meant that Roma and Milan couldn’t be separated in a rollercoaster of emotions in the capital. Tammy Abraham thought he had snatched a last-gasp winner for the hosts in injury time but Alexis Saelemaekers would respond deeper into added time to level the scores.
Disruptive Half In Rome
Visitors Milan dominated possession over the first quarter of the match but failed to test the goal of Rui Patricio. It was hard for the game to flow fluently in the opening half hour since it was disrupted on numerous occasions due to fouls and injuries, resulting in no real chances for either side.
The hosts finally managed to get something going around the half hour mark but Abraham’s woes would continue. Leonardo Spinazzola would work the ball well down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Lorenzo Pellegrini, who then managed to get the shot away. The Giallorossi would not be able to make the most out of the chance, nonetheless, with Abraham rather unfortunately blocking his own teammates’ effort.
Roma grew into the match as the half progressed and managed to get a little bit more involved but failed to trouble goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Milan also mildly threatened at points, getting some joy down the right through captain Davide Calabria but it was to no avail.
Leao Threatens But It Remains Goalless
It was a similar story as the first half after the restart as the Rossoneri continued to push and probe. Roma could have capitalized on a good chance on the counter led by Spinazzola but half-time substitute Stephan El Shaarawy failed to control the ball effectively which ruined the opportunity. Rafael Leao created a chance for the away side soon after when he found the arriving Saelemaekers but he couldn’t keep his shot on target.
It really was a match that failed to create many meaningful opportunities, with the only shots on target resulting in goals at the death. Milan were able to have the better of possession as the game came to a close but yet again failed to test Patricio. Leao looked like the biggest outlet for the away side but couldn’t get an attempt on target.
Abraham & Saelemaekers Provide Late Drama
Nevertheless, the capital would be in for late drama when Abraham snatched a late opener in injury time. Zeki Celik did well down the right in the build-up before finding the Englishman inside the box. Abraham then kept his composure superbly to execute a fine finish to secure what the Giallorossi thought would be a last-gasp winner. It could have proven to be a huge goal towards Champions League football next term.
However, Milan still had time to respond as Leao found Saelemaekers at the back post with a fantastic cross. The Belgian was able to turn the ball home from close range to claw back a point for Stefano Pioli’s side and keep themselves in fourth in the Serie A standings.