Manchester United 1-1 AC Milan
Meetings between these two giants of the game regularly produce nights that stir both the senses and the soul.
Two of the European greats pitting their wits against each other on the grandest stage of all with world-class talent whichever way you look.
Indeed, it’s fair to say any clash between these clubs would befit a Champions League Final.
That picture has changed, however, in recent seasons.
Dominant forces for so long domestically, they have both been bridesmaids more than brides of late with top-level success eluding them – which probably explains why this was their inaugural meeting in the Europa League (all 10 previous matches had been in the European Cup/Champions League).
That was even more apparent by the factors this was a Thursday teatime clash in one of the world’s great footballing cathedrals (as next week’s second leg will be) in the absence of fans.
However, even with key men missing and the absence of a passionate atmosphere, the prospect of Europa League highlights was clear.
After all, this was the Red Devils versus the Rossoneri.
Highlights of the game
Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Mason Greenwood all came in for Manchester United with Marcus Rashford, as expected, missing out with an ankle injury he sustained in last weekend’s Manchester derby.
On-loan Diogo Dalot started for AC Milan against his parent club, but former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic — who won this competition with the Red Devils four years ago — was not risked due to a thigh problem. The veteran Swede one of a number of key absentees for the visitors who travelled without Theo Hernandez, Ismael Bennacer, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic.
In fairness to the hosts, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata were also among their absent personnel.
That odd feeling I wrote about – Thursday night, Europe’s second-tier competition, empty stadium – was obvious early on, although Milan will count themselves unfortunate not to have scored early as they had two goals disallowed in the opening 11 minutes against sloppy United.
Both were correctly ruled out but the second, a smashing shot from Franck Kessié just inside the United area, was a prime example of the home side’s sluggishness as the midfielder was watched by three United players only to be denied after VAR spotted he had controlled the ball with a hand.
There was a further element of sluggishness about 10 minutes before the break when captain Harry Maguire met a corner, flicked on by Bruno Fernandes, but was only able to tap the ball against the post from point-blank range.
If a half-time substitution was expected, then few would have anticipated frontman Antony Martial (it later emerged the Frenchman was limping) would make way for an 18-year-old who has yet to start a game for his new club.
As Amad Diallo entered the fray another youngster, Mason Greenwood was slotted into the centre forward role meaning, alongside Daniel James, the hosts had a very exciting yet very inexperienced front three.
Within five minutes, Diallo had showed a touch of the class which presumably persuaded the club to part with a reported £37 million for the teenager from Atalanta – Milan’s Serie A contemporaries.
It was Bruno Fernandes – who else – who dropped a delicious pass over the Milan rearguard and there was Diallo, who had made a clever run, flipping a deft back-header over the advancing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was quite a goal to open his account.
Milan should have been level as the midway point of the second half approached but, from Davide Calabria’s inviting delivery, Rade Krunic was only able to plant a header over the bar.
In the context of the tie, it seemed the next goal was pretty crucial and Milan were doing most of the pressing against a team whose schedule has not relented all season.
Few could begrudge them an equaliser, even in stoppage time, as Simon Kjaer powered home a header.
A goal apiece, advantage Milan but all to play for in the San Siro a week tonight.
Key statistics
Diallo’s first goal for United came with his first-ever shot for the club, and in just his third appearance (all as a substitute).
At 18 years and 243 days, he is the youngest non-British player to ever score in a major European competition for Manchester United.
United have been eliminated from four of their five knockout ties with AC Milan. No side has knocked out the Red Devils more often in European competition (also Real Madrid (four).
Milan have been ousted on six of the last seven occasions in the last 16 of European ties, this after progressing from nine consecutive such matches from 1988 to 2007.
What’s next?
United are back in action on Sunday night with West Ham the visitors in the Premier League, while AC Milan entertain Napoli in Serie A, also on Sunday night.
The second leg of this tie will then be played at the San Siro a week tonight (March 18). Don’t forget to study the SBOTOP Europa League betting odds ahead of that one.
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