Milan picked up their first Champions League points in a tough game against Club Brugge, who managed to equalise in the second half despite being left with 10 men before the break. Here are the player ratings from the Rossoneri’s 3-1 win:
Maignan 7 – A complete authority in Milan’s shaky defence. He blocked the opposition with a series of essential saves and was the only one in the hosts’ rearguard to provide a sense of security.
Emerson Royal 5.5 – Brugge’s equaliser originated from his side, which was arguably the most vulnerable part of the Rossoneri’s back.
Gabbia 5.5 – The space between him and Emerson Royal proved particularly inviting to attack for the visitors at times, as they both looked inattentive (83′ Thiaw n/a).
Tomori 5.5 – Too soft on the visitors’ forwards, the Englishman contributed to his team’s overall fragility at the back.
Theo Hernandez 6 – As much as his defensive contribution wasn’t much better, his raids forward made him a concern to keep an eye on for the opposition.
Fofana 5.5 – Lacked precision and was often dispossessed, exposing his side to dangers (75′ Musah 6).
Reijnders 8 – The Dutch finally proved the all-round midfielder he is: excellent at adding quality to his side’s build-up, but his brace showed how important his offensive presence is to make him even more influential in the team.
Pulisic 7 – The American gave the Rossoneri the lead in a delicate moment directly from a corner kick, once again showing the wideness of his array of skills.
Loftus-Cheek 5.5 – Struggled to make his physical presence felt as Brugge worked the ball with ease in midfield in the first half (60′ Okafor 6.5).
Leao 6.5 – He looked like the only one able to light up a spark up front in Milan’s slow start, but his inconsistency, even within the same game, cost him a substitution in the second half. And Fonseca was right, since the Rossoneri became much more dangerous with the additions of electric Okafor and Chukwueze (60′ Chukwueze 6.5).
Morata 6 – A light presence up front, in a match where Milan would’ve needed something different from the start (75′ Camarda 6.5).
Fonseca 7 – While Milan struggled much more than expected in the first half and until the visitors’ equaliser, his corrections were spot on and proved instrumental in setting up a strong final 40 minutes, which also sparked San Siro’s enthusiasm.
Club Brugge: Mignolet 6; Ordóñez 5.5, Mechele 5.5, Seys 6 (46′ Sabbe 6.5); Talbi 5.5 (46′ Vetlesen 6), Vanaken 6, Onyedika 4.5, Jashari 6.5 (83′ Nielsen n/a), De Cuyper 5.5; Jutglà 6.5 (70′ Skoras 5.5), Tzolis 6.5 (70′ Skov Olsen 5.5) Coach: Hayen 6.5
so called squad players who barely get a chance are coming on and showing they want it more! definitely helped by the sending off! fofana was poor! loftus cheek nonexistent
ps. how many goals have milan now conceded with emerson being rinsed and then the ball being switched to the left this season? theo coming inside to abandon his position again!