Rafael Leao had an evening of ups and downs as Milan secured a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in their final Champions League group outing.
The Rossoneri fell 1-0 down after 33 minutes following a Joelinton opener, but netted the equaliser just before the hour mark through Christian Pulisic. Stefano Pioli’s side then secured the win with an 84th minute strike from substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
Milan’s win saw them finish the Champions League group in third, a result that sees them drop down to the Europa League knockout play-offs. On balance, it was a frustrating evening for the Rossoneri, who left it too late to perform in the Europe’s premier club competition.
Leao had a difficult evening at St. James’ Park, struggling to show his best amidst the pressure. Whilst he had a hand in the first goal and hit the post in the 79th minute, he also struggled to make a strong impact and only completed three of his seven dribbles.
La Gazzetta dello Sport touched on the up-and-down nature of Leao’s work against Newcastle, writing: “Complex rating. Minus: he wasted a goal-scoring opportunity and sent a great chance to the post. Defensive phase? Well, at times he made a conscientious objection. Pros: the 1-1 cross, which changed the whole match.”
Corriere dello Sport were a little more positive about the Portuguese star’s match, although they drew attention to his shot off the woodwork, commenting: “He will have nightmares about that post ten minutes from the end. It’ll trigger the equalizer.”
Tuttosport were a little more uncertain about the Milan winger’s performance, commenting: “The precarious physical form paid off. Wasteful on at least a couple of occasions. And that post at the end… revisable.”
Leao’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 6
Corriere dello Sport: 6.5
Tuttosport: 5
Corriere della Sera: 6
That kit is a travesty