Incredible final at the Olimpico in the Champions play-off between Roma and Milan.
THE CHRONICLE OF THE MATCH
First the Giallorossi joy with Abraham's goal in the 93rd minute then the AC Milan exaltation, three minutes later, for Saelemaekers' equal with almost expired time.
A thrilling conclusion to a match where everything happens in recovery, at the end of a confrontation dominated by competitive spirit and tactics with various fouls, injuries and yellow cards.
The result is a 1-1 that leaves a point for both and practically intact the chances for Europe that counts in anticipation of Inter-Lazio which tomorrow will also serve as the green light at the Scudetto party in Naples.
Abraham-Belotti, double center forward for Mourinho: this is the surprise move of the Portuguese, who actually fields this tandem for the second time in the league, the fourth this season.
A choice to have more weight and outbursts forward, going in search of 2 against 2.
Dybala starts from the bench, while Pellegrini moves back to midfield but will link up with the attack.
Smalling is missing in defense: with Mancini and Ibanez there is Kumbulla.
On the right Celik preferred to Zalewski to try to stem Theo and Leao on that wing.
No surprises, however, in Pioli's 4-2-3-1.
Giroud recovered and returned to being a centre-forward.
Behind him Brahim, Bennacer, Leao.
In defense there is Calabria;
Kjaer is also in the middle.
In defense there is Calabria;
Kjaer is also in the middle.
In defense there is Calabria;
Kjaer is also in the middle.
ANSA. it
Serie A: Roma-Milan 1-1 - Football
(HANDLE)
Ready to go with Milan to play the match and Roma to act on the counterattack.
After only a quarter of an hour the Giallorossi lose another piece of the defense Kumbulla gets hurt, who was back in the starting lineup just today, Bove enters in midfield and Cristante moves back in defence.
After the first half hour with a few jolts and a lot of study on both sides, the first real opportunity was for the Giallorossi: everything started on the left, where Belotti protected the ball and served Spinazzola who went deep.
Ball placed in front of the goal where Pellegrini bursts in and kicks first, however hitting Abraham practically on the goal line.
Then the ball returns to Belotti who kicks badly.
Calabria tries for Milan with a nice shot just wide, while in the final Mourinho's team increases the engine revs but the advantage does not come.
In the second half, Milan gave up Tomori injured and replaced by Thiaw.
Physical problems also for Belotti forced to leave for El Shaarawy.
The match became livelier with chances on both sides: first the Pharaoh went close to 1-0 and then very chance Milan with Saelemaekers served perfectly by a wild Leao.
A trend that will continue until the end of the match with moments of nervousness, several fouls (Ibanez's bad one on Saelemaekers) and yellow cards.
Mourinho and Pioli try to decide the game by hitting the right substitution but to see the right opportunity for Rome and Milan we will have to wait for injury time where everything happens in an incredible final.
Abraham scored in the third minute of stoppage time: Celik took the ball on the right and centered, then served Abraham in the middle, who lucidly placed a diagonal that left Maignan motionless.
At the Olimpico the celebration for a Champions League is within reach which is stopped at the climax by Saelemaekers' goal in the 97th minute who surprises Rui Patricio with a plate from two steps away and lets the ball pass under his legs.
For Milan, a goal that chases away the ghosts of a very heavy knockout, while for Mourinho and his it's an icy shower for a Champions League that is very close for only four minutes and now to be conquered.