Losing never feels good. For our first loss after 24 games unbeaten, this one was no exception. Milan actually had 55% possession and twelve shots, with four on target. But if you watched the second half, you never would have guessed it. After Yazici's second goal, Milan let Lille control the match, and not even Pioli's masterful subs could make a difference. Milan were completely bamboozled.
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| Bamboozled |
Milan were in the game to begin with. In fact, they stayed in the game through the first half. Castillejo was bullied and bruised by Renato Sanches, but Dalot did some nice things like the tackle in the 14th minute. He also did some not nice things like cross the ball to no one. Lille's shots were not even threatening yet. But it was a shove from Romagnoli in the box in the 20th that began Milan's demise. Lille were given the penalty, and Yazici stepped up and took it. 1-0 Lille. That was Romagnoli's second penalty conceded in two matches, I think he's still a bit rusty.
Not to concede the mentality, Ibrahimovic made a strong statement with a powerful free kick in the 25th, forcing Maignan into a great save. Milan were still in the game all the way through the end of the first half, with Theo Hernandez getting a shot off in the 38th that was unfortunately also saved. If you want to know how the rest of the game went for Milan, watch at about the 36th minute, when Xeka received a yellow for trying to murder Brahim Diaz. Yes, Milan were like Brahim in that analogy, and Lille were like Xeka. Exactly like that.
Don't expect him to make that mistake a 3rd time
The second half was when Milan spiraled into the abyss of relentless Lille counter attacks and more Milan errors. In a rare Gigio error, he literally and metaphorically let the match slip through his fingers in the 55th with another goal from Yazici. 2-0 Lille. Three minutes later, Yazici scored again to get his hat trick. 3-0 Lille. Yes, Milan's mentality faltered, and tired legs set in, too. But Lille gained confidence as the match went increasingly in their favor. And speed. Wow, they were fast. Not even the introduction at the half of Leao and Calhanoglu, nor bringing on Rebic and Bennacer after the third goal could turn the momentum of this match around.
Every loss is tough. Ending an unbeaten streak is a special kind of tough. But we knew going into this match that Lille were good, and they absolutely deserved all three points tonight. They did everything to disrupt our play, and were very good at playing their game. Many have said that it is not your failure, but the way you respond to failure that is the true measure of a person. If that is true, then we can only hope that Milan will respond well to this loss. Running on empty mentally and physically, Milan were simply bamboozled.
This post inspired by the music of The Smiths' "This Night Has Opened My Eyes"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
11:26 PM
Rating:
