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It ends with the angry Red Star players, in a circle around the Spanish referee Gil Manzano, who failed to get them to take the last corner, in the 93rd minute. Ibrahimovic, very tense, he breathes a sigh of relief. A few minutes earlier, Zlatan had kicked the post, angry too, but at himself and his teammates, guilty of yet another disappointing performance, yet another.
The only good thing is the result, the little tie that reaches Milan qualification for the round of 16 of the Europa League: 2-2 in the first leg in Belgrade, 1-1 in San Siro. For performance, check. If the Rossoneri were looking for a reaction after the latest tests, nothing to do: too much suffering, too many risks. Even in the last twenty minutes, when the Serbs fell ten for the red in Gobeljic. The devil, who hasn’t scored since action in four games, has yet to find himself. We are not at our best, we must immediately return to our levels, admits Stefano Pioli. On Sunday Roma are at the Olimpico, in a duel that could mark the Champions League career. One thing is for sure: we will need a different Milan. Otherwise it lasts.
L’Europa League It was never a secondary goal for the Rossoneri. Not after all the effort they made to get in. Too important also as plan B, since the regulation is clear: whoever manages to lift the trophy on May 26 in Gdansk will automatically win a place in the Champions League.
In view of Sunday’s crossroads, an inevitable small rotation, Pioli for half a team changes: a little too much, perhaps. Stankovic’s plan the same as the first leg at Marakana: wait and go. For the former Interista, not a match like another: on Wednesday, upon his arrival in Milan, his former fans welcomed him with choirs, banners and fireworks. He’s willing to play a prank on his former Rossoneri rivals, Deki. He loaded his pellet, he wants the company.
As in the first leg, the technical gap is evident, but the Red Star makes up for it with career and determination. In fact, Milan passed almost immediately, with a penalty from the usual Kessie called for a Gobeljic hand unmasked by the Var. But, as in Belgrade, the Serbs do not give up and react. Ben’s draw, with an angle and a pronounced left: magical night, for this 32-year-old semi-unknown native of the distant Comoros islands. The devil was cornered throughout the first half. Romagnoli walks with difficulty, Calhanoglu disappears, Pure leao. Dalot shoots the good overtaking ball to Borjan. At half-time, Pioli forced Ibrahimovic and Rebic to play. With the owners it is better, at least a little. In fact, a Donnarumma providential in Sanogo to take home the qualification.
On Friday at 1pm in Nyon, the second round draw is free, which means that everyone can meet everyone. Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, Ajax and the derby with Roma the biggest stumbling blocks. But whatever the opponent, another devil will be served.
Feb 25, 2021 (change Feb 25, 2021 | 23:42)
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