Top attack and flop defense: evident statistics even in the Champions League. Diavolo third for dribbles completed, second to last for tackles won
Framing Milan this season is anything but a simple mission. A somewhat schizophrenic team that alternates great matches with moments of blackout, whether individual or collective. A bit like Lookman’s goal in Bergamo, with the Rossoneri rearguard stopped to watch (especially Emerson Royal) as the Nigerian attacker emerged at the far post and scored. Or like Zappa’s late goal in Cagliari or Marcelli’s in Bratislava which forced Milan to suffer until the last second to take home the three points. In between, the feat in Madrid and the great victory in the derby. And so we ask ourselves: what is the true face of Milan? The results still put the answer on stand-by, as do the numbers, especially the European ones.
top attack
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There is a paradox in seeing Milan’s statistics in the first five Champions League matches. A team that confirms its excellent technical potential, but continues to have countless defensive problems. And it is no coincidence that in the Champions League the Rossoneri have always conceded goals, even two by last-place Slovan. Fonseca’s team is second in correct passes (90 percent), equal to Leverkusen and behind Manchester City (92.6). They are third for dribbles completed behind Bayern Munich and PSG with 95 percent and eighth for ball possession (55.6 percent). Same position also in Serie A. Numbers that confirm Milan’s courage and determination to always be the protagonists of the match. It is no coincidence that four times out of five the Rossoneri have always broken the deadlock first. Except for the (lost) away match against Leverkusen.
defense flop
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The other side of the coin is the recurring problem for months: the defense. Here too, an eloquent fact. Mike Maignan is the goalkeeper with the most interventions made in the Champions League, 27. Number compared to the 7 goals conceded by the Frenchman in five games (Torriani conceded one against Liverpool). To give you an idea, Dominik Takac, the Bratislava goalkeeper who collected 18 balls from his own net, is second with 26 saves. But it didn’t end here. If the research extends to the team, Milan is 36th, very last, for recovered balls (144) and fouls committed (41). And also second to last for tackles won (17). Numbers that are out of place for the sixteenth position it occupies in the rankings. Especially after facing two giants like Real and Liverpool. As if that competitive malice was missing which, with the pace of the Champions League, makes all the difference in the world. The only one who survives this is Emerson Royal, the most fouled among the Rossoneri but also the one who recovers the most balls. In short, starting from Red Star the trend will have to be reversed. In three matches, Milan will compete for access to the top-8: locking down the defense and having a tough face will be two fundamental prerogatives in order to achieve the objective.
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