Author: Vishwajit Sawant
AC Milan and AS Roma drew 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, with both teams level on 57 points in the race for the top four in Serie A. A late goal from AC Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers earned the visitors a valuable point.
Milan have won just two of their last eight league games and are struggling to secure a place in the top four. Meanwhile, Roma’s hopes of reaching the top four suffered a blow when they lost to Atalanta earlier in the week. His injury problems were compounded by the absence of Paulo Dybala, Diego Llorente, Chris Smalling and Georginio Wijnaldum. Marash Kumbulla was also forced off due to injury after a clash with Olivier Giroud.
The game was cautious, with both teams committing fouls that resulted in yellow cards. Milan gradually picked up the pace and began to threaten Roma’s defense, but failed to take their chances, with Leão missing a good opportunity. Roma responded by attacking, and their persistence paid off when Lorenzo Pellegrini’s shot was blocked by Abraham.
Milan defenders Calabria and Tomori missed two more chances before the break. The second half saw more action, but neither team managed to open the scoring until Abraham (90 + 4 min) scored in injury time, sending the home fans into delirium.
Milan, however, had other plans and equalized in the last move of the match when Saelemaekers converted Rafael Leão’s cross in the 90th minute. The match was even, with both sides managing just one shot on goal.
Rafael Leão’s performance stood out, as he was involved in both Milan goals, taking his tally to 19 goals and assists for the season.
Brazilian Roger Ibanez spent the entire match with Roma, and here Junior Messias didn’t get on the pitch, remaining in Milan’s reserves.
Milan will now host Cremonese in their next match, while Roma will travel to face Monza.