Junior Messias scored a last-gasp equaliser as Milan have been held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Cremonese at San Siro on Wednesday.
A win would have saved the Rossoneri stage on factors with rivals Inter within the race for Champions League qualification, however they fell behind within the 77th minute when substitute David Okereke shrugged off two defenders earlier than coolly ending.
Milan would escape with a draw, nevertheless, as Messias’ free-kick discovered the online through a deflection within the third minute of stoppage time, whereas Charles Pickel was despatched off within the dying seconds for an off-the-ball incident involving Sandro Tonali.
Stefano Pioli’s males have now received simply two of their final 9 Serie A outings at an important juncture of the season, leaving them with an uphill battle on their arms if they’re to complete within the prime 4.
Draw at San Siro. #MilanCremonese #SempreMilan @Acqua_Lete pic.twitter.com/aXH3AAd6Ph
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 3, 2023
Milan thought they have been forward after simply 11 minutes, Alexis Saelemaekers racing onto Pierre Kalulu’s throughball earlier than cooly ending, just for a VAR overview to rule the Belgium worldwide offside.
Cremonese made it to the break stage regardless of Divock Origi going shut with a low drive because the hosts dominated the primary half, they usually continued to frustrate Pioli’s males after the break.
The guests even went forward when Okereke confirmed nice energy to get away from Malick Thiaw and Kalulu earlier than firing into the bottom-left nook.
They might not win the sport, although, as Messias’ low free-kick went in through a deflection to cruelly snatch two much-needed factors away from the Lombardy aspect.
Each groups had massive probabilities within the dying seconds however neither may take them, whereas Pickel noticed crimson for punching Tonali and can possible obtain a prolonged ban.
What does it imply? Milan lose floor in Champions League race
With Lazio, Juventus, Inter and Atalanta all profitable their video games on Wednesday, Milan required three factors to maintain up with their fellow European contenders.
They have been fortunate to come back away with one in the long run, although, as they scored simply as soon as in opposition to one of many league’s worst defences, hitting the goal with simply 5 of their 18 photographs and needing an injury-time leveller to keep away from defeat.
Saelemaekers filled with confidence
Having scored a 97th-minute equaliser off the bench away at Roma on Saturday, Saelemaekers was chosen to begin in opposition to Cremonese, and he delivered with one other sturdy efficiency.
He noticed a aim disallowed as he proved a helpful attacking outlet, with no different Milan participant recording extra photographs (three), key passes (4) and crosses (eight).
Origi fires a clean
Olivier Giroud started the sport on the bench as Origi was handed a uncommon begin, however he struggled up prime for Milan as each he and the staff put in a below-par show.
The previous Liverpool man failed to attain along with his three photographs, lacking his solely massive likelihood and failing to create a chance as he managed simply 4 touches within the Cremonese field.
Key Opta details
– Among the many groups within the prime 5 European leagues, Milan are one in every of three (together with Nantes and Salernitana) to have drawn probably the most matches in all competitions in 2023.
– Messias’ strike was Milan’s first aim from a direct free-kick in Serie A since December 2021 (Alessandro Florenzi v Empoli).
– Pioli has reached 450 video games as a coach in Serie A. He’s the seventh coach to achieve this milestone within the three-points-per-win period, after Luciano Spalletti, Francesco Guidolin, Gian Piero Gasperini, Walter Mazzarri, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri.
– Messias now has 5 objectives in 21 appearances in Serie A this season, equalling his tally for final marketing campaign (5 in 26).
– Okereke is the second Cremonese participant to attain away in opposition to each Inter and Milan in Serie A in the identical season after Gustavo Dezotti (who did so in 1989-90 marketing campaign).
What’s subsequent?
Each groups are in Serie A motion once more on Saturday, with Milan internet hosting Lazio whereas Cremonese welcome Spezia.