Olivier Giroud maintains Milan showed their Champions League ‘quality, but also determination to go through’ to the knockouts with their 4-0 victory away to Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatians were unbeaten on home turf this season, defeating Chelsea 1-0 and holding RB Salzburg 1-1, but were blown away by the Diavolo.
“It is a great victory, we prepared this game well. We wanted to start strong with hunger, a good pressing and attacks. We could’ve scored more goals, but I am very happy with this result,” Giroud told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was the right moment for us to put in this type of performance and prove our quality, but also our determination to go through the group stage.”
Giroud converted a penalty after a foul on Sandro Tonali, while Matteo Gabbia scored with a diving header, Rafael Leao completed a solo run and Ljubicic scored an own goal, but the France international had numerous other opportunities.
“The goalkeeper knows me very well, I played many games against him, he had a great performance, even though we won 4-0. If he wasn’t there, it could’ve been seven or eight. I tried to the end to make it a brace, but he made some wonderful saves.
“I am happy with the penalty and I needed this goal to boost my confidence. I felt good, I am happy for the team.”
Charles De Ketelaere put in another disappointing performance, but Giroud reassured the less experienced players.
“This was a very important evening for us and the young players gave a good response to the event.”