AC Milan faced Bayer Leverkusen in their second match of the 2024-25 Champions League season, ultimately succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Despite their efforts and some moments of promise, Milan left the pitch without securing their first points of the campaign. Below are detailed player ratings reflecting their performances throughout the match.
Starting XI
Maignan (7.5 – MOTM)
The standout performer for AC Milan was goalkeeper Mike Maignan. He made several crucial saves that kept his team in the game, particularly in the face of dangerous crosses. His ability to read the game and clear potential threats was vital, and he demonstrated strong footwork throughout. Maignan’s reflexes were on display as he denied Leverkusen’s attackers with a series of impressive stops. He commanded his area well, often coming off his line to intercept crosses and prevent dangerous situations from developing. His overall performance was a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, consistently showcasing his shot-stopping ability and distribution.
Emerson Royal (6)
Emerson Royal had a mixed performance. He was active in attacking play, showing willingness to support the offense. However, defensively, he faced challenges and was beaten on multiple occasions, which slightly marred his overall contribution. Emerson demonstrated decent positioning at times but struggled to maintain consistency when defending against Leverkusen’s quick wingers. His overlapping runs added depth to the Milan attack, but he often left spaces behind that could have been exploited. Overall, he earned a passing grade, but there is room for improvement in both his defensive duties and final contributions in the attacking third.
Gabbia (6)
Matteo Gabbia had a solid game, demonstrating calmness and composure in defense. He made several important interventions, displaying his ability to read the game and anticipate threats effectively. The goal conceded was somewhat unfortunate, as it seemed more of a collective lapse rather than an individual error. Gabbia’s positioning allowed him to neutralize several attacks, and he maintained good communication with his fellow defenders. However, there were moments where he could have been more assertive, particularly when dealing with aggressive runs from Leverkusen’s forwards. His performance was commendable, providing a sense of stability at the back.
Tomori (6)
Fikayo Tomori showed promise with his pace and defensive acumen, contributing to Milan’s ability to push forward on the left side. Like Gabbia, he was generally effective but could have tracked the runner better on the goal, which came from a well-executed play by Leverkusen. Tomori’s speed allowed him to recover in defensive situations, and he made several crucial tackles that thwarted potential scoring opportunities. However, there were moments where he could have been more decisive in clearing the ball or marking his man, leading to some unnecessary pressure on the defense. Overall, Tomori’s performance was solid, showcasing his potential as a key defensive player for the team.
Hernandez (6.5)
Theo Hernandez was instrumental in both attack and defense. He frequently utilized his ability to cut inside, creating space for himself and his teammates. Although he faced a speedy opponent, he held his own and nearly scored with a powerful shot that hit the bar after a deflection. Hernandez’s attacking runs provided a significant threat on the left flank, and his pace allowed him to join the offensive play effectively. Defensively, he showed resilience and determination, managing to thwart several of Leverkusen’s advances. His overall contribution was valuable, and he displayed a willingness to take risks in the attacking third, which is crucial for a player in his position.
Fofana (7)
Youssouf Fofana was impressive, particularly in the second half when Milan found more rhythm. He showcased his playmaking abilities, creating opportunities for his teammates while also contributing defensively. This performance was one of his best since joining Milan, as he seemed more comfortable and confident in his role. Fofana was instrumental in linking the midfield and attack, often finding space to receive the ball and initiate offensive movements. His vision and passing were key in creating goal-scoring opportunities, and he demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout the match. As the game progressed, he grew into a more commanding presence, helping Milan regain control in crucial moments.
Loftus-Cheek (6)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek provided essential physicality and movement in midfield, even if he wasn’t the most creative player on the pitch. He came close to scoring with a well-placed half-volley but ultimately fell short. Loftus-Cheek’s presence in the midfield was felt, as he contributed to both defensive actions and attacking transitions. However, there were moments when he could have made more decisive passes or taken more risks in the final third. His ability to shield the ball and maintain possession under pressure was valuable, but he could have been more involved in orchestrating plays. Overall, he put in a solid shift, but there is potential for him to impact the game even more.
Pulisic (6)
Christian Pulisic was active, positioning himself effectively to receive the ball. However, he struggled to make a significant impact in the attacking phase and could have offered more incisiveness in the final third. Pulisic’s work rate was commendable as he continuously looked to exploit spaces and create chances for his teammates. Nevertheless, he found it challenging to penetrate Leverkusen’s defense, often losing the ball in critical moments. His ability to take on defenders and create one-on-one situations was evident, but he needed to be more decisive and effective in his final touches. Overall, Pulisic’s performance showed promise, but he left fans wanting more in terms of attacking contribution.
Reijnders (5.5)
Milan fans expected more from Morten Thorsby, who had difficulty connecting with the ball effectively. His movement was commendable, but a key missed opportunity, where he hesitated thinking a defender was nearby, highlighted his struggles during the match. Reijnders showed good positioning throughout the game, finding spaces to receive the ball, but his inability to make accurate passes or convert chances proved costly. He had moments where he could have influenced the game positively but seemed hesitant, lacking confidence in his decision-making. His overall performance was disappointing relative to his usual standards, and he will need to improve to regain the trust of the fans and coaching staff.
Leao (5.5)
Rafael Leao had a mixed outing, offering some respite in the first half with strong runs. However, his impact waned in the second half when Milan needed more from him in attack. Leao’s speed and ability to stretch the defense were evident early on, but he struggled to maintain that level of influence as the game progressed. His movement was often promising, but he lacked the final product when it mattered most, failing to convert opportunities or provide key assists. Leao’s potential is undeniable, but he will need to find consistency in his performances to elevate Milan’s attacking threat.
Abraham (6)
Tammy Abraham worked tirelessly throughout the match and was effective in aerial duels. He was also unfortunate not to earn a penalty after being brought down in the box during a promising attack. Abraham’s physical presence was crucial for Milan, as he held up the ball and allowed his teammates to join the attack. His willingness to press defenders and make runs behind the backline added depth to Milan’s offensive strategy. However, he struggled to find clear-cut chances and could have been more clinical in front of goal. Despite this, his hard work and determination were commendable, contributing to the overall team effort.
Substitutes
Morata (6)
Alvaro Morata made a standard impact off the bench, displaying his work ethic and presence in the box. He was involved but didn’t have any clear chances apart from a rebound opportunity. Morata’s experience was valuable, and he looked to create space for himself and his teammates. While he didn’t have a significant impact on the game, his movement and positioning were in line with the tactical approach. He provided a different dynamic when entering the match, but he will need to become more involved to make a difference in future outings.
Chukwueze (5)
Samuel Chukwueze struggled significantly, with poor crossing and questionable decisions. His performance fell short of expectations, particularly in crucial defensive situations. Chukwueze’s pace and skill are undeniable, but he failed to translate that into effective contributions during the match. He had opportunities to influence the game but was often caught in indecision, leading to lost possession and missed chances. This performance will likely motivate him to refocus and improve in training, as he has the potential to be a game-changer for Milan.
Summary
Milan showed fight but ultimately could not find a breakthrough against a resilient Leverkusen side. Player ratings reflect a mix of individual performances, with some players like Maignan and Fofana shining brighter than others. Despite the defeat, there were glimpses of potential for the Rossoneri as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. The team will need to address the inconsistencies in their performance and find ways to convert chances into goals if they hope to succeed in the Champions League. Moving forward, there is a need for greater cohesion and understanding within the squad to harness their collective talents and challenge for top honors in Europe.
Overall, the match highlighted areas of strength and weaknesses for AC Milan. The defensive unit showed resilience, but lapses in concentration led to conceding a critical goal. Meanwhile, the midfield displayed moments of creativity, yet there was a lack of clinical finishing in the attacking third. The forward line must find ways to capitalize on the chances created, as even the best defensive performances can fall short without goals. As the season progresses, fans will
