Before scoring the 1-0 goal, the Austrian missed two great chances. In the end, however, it was decisive and he admitted: “It’s not an easy moment, but my teammates and the people are by my side. We’re going to Madrid to win”
– MILAN
What would have happened if he hadn’t scored the 1-0 goal, with that tap in on Lautaro’s shot blocked by Oblak, perhaps Marko Arnautovic was imagining it when he spoke after the victory over Atletico. He had failed two not impossible chances (euphemism…), on a couple of other occasions he had not arrived with the right timing on his teammates’ crosses. In short, before the goal that knocked out the Colchoneros, his performance was to be forgotten (or almost). This is why the former Bologna player, who was also on target last Friday against Salernitana, smiled through gritted teeth when he appeared in front of the microphones: “I’m not going through an easy moment – he admitted with sincerity – and I thought it would end badly for me again this time since things weren’t going right. Luckily the ball went in… It’s one of the most important goals of my career and I thank the people who supported me. I’m happy for the team and for mine family who was in the stands.”
ENROLL IN CHAMPIONS
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In the Champions League the Austrian had already scored in the 3-3 draw in Lisbon against Benfica, but tonight’s goal has a much greater importance. Because the first leg of the round of 16 was being played and because he had been thrown into the mix at the start of the second half thanks to Thuram’s injury. “It’s never nice to come in when a teammate gets hurt and I feel sorry for Marcus. I know that these are my opportunities and that I was bought to make the difference when I’m called into action. I succeeded on the third occasion, after the I had missed the first two. It weighed on me… And when I saw the ball go in, I was very happy.” Now Arnautovic has 4 goals in the 806 minutes he has played this season: not exceptional numbers, but the goal against Atletico can change the course of his 2023-24. “After the injury (to the right thigh, at the end of September, in Empoli, ed.) I didn’t have an easy time: I needed time to get back to the top and moreover in the last few games I missed many opportunities. Just like today… The people, however, made me feel that they were with me and gave me the energy to score goals.” And he celebrated angrily, embraced by his teammates (who had cheered him up when he hadn’t been cold in front of goal), after Lino hadn’t managed to “throw” the ex-Bologna player’s left-footed shot back out of the goal.
TO MADRID TO WIN
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In the next few hours, instrumental tests will clarify the extent of Thuram’s injury, but on Sunday in Lecce it will probably be Marko’s turn again. “So far he has been extremely valuable – said Inzaghi -, but now both he and Sanchez will have more minutes available”. Good news for the number 8 who praised “a fantastic group, made up of those who always play, but also of those who come off the bench and demonstrate that they are strong. Like all those who are less active on the pitch, I never lower my head: let’s stay focused to give our best as soon as we’re called into action and try to do everything we can to win. Is the 1-0 too close? No, we’re happy like this now, but we know that in Madrid we start again from 0-0 and that It will be a tough match. We will go there to win.”
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