Milan started off on the attack, but Crotone fought back and took their chances, especially in the first half. It is true that they probably deserve more than they have, but they didn't earn any points in this match, either. However, once Ibrahimovic opened the scoring, the floodgates opened, and the Sharks were swept away by an impressive Ibrahimovic-Rebic double double.
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| The triple double: 2 assists, 2 goals, 2 goals |
Back to the match... Calabria scored a great goal in the sixth minute from a beautiful Leao backheel, only to have it called back due to Ibrahimovic being offside. Sometimes, having giant feet is costly. But Ibrahimovic more than made up for it in the 30th minute by scoring his 500th career goal. 1-0 Milan. Incidentally, Leao had the assist, which was also to make up for an error just a few minutes earlier that earned him more than one dirty look for from his teammates.
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| 500 career goals, and he's not stopping |
The second half saw the return of Calhanoglu, and suddenly, although Leao had played quite well, the heavens just opened and Milan scored three goals in about six minutes. The first was another Ibra goal with a Theo Hernandez assist, 2-0 Milan. He also attempted a shot from way out, trying to catch Cordaz off of his line, but no goal.
Rebic, who is not the tallest player, scored his first goal in the 69th, a header from a Calhanoglu corner. 3-0 Milan. Ibrahimovic had another shot parried away, Calhanoglu crossed it back in, and Rebic scored that one, too, just over a minute after his first. 4-0 Milan. After having dislocated his elbow against Crotone in September, this was his most dominant performance since. Talk about healing.
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| Smiles all around |
Ibrahimovic had a great header in the 74th from a Calhanoglu cross, forcing Cordaz into yet another important save. The goalscorers were then removed from the pitch to prevent any further damage to Crotone's self esteem, apparently, replaced by Mandzukic and Hauge. Mandzukic had a header in the 86th almost point blank, which Cordaz saved.
Romagnoli got a yellow card for a ferocious shirt pull, and Calabria also pulled a shirt to get a yellow card, which means he will be suspended against Spezia on Saturday. But overall, it was a strong performance, one which saw us rightfully reclaim our place on top of the table.
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| 2 goals, 2 assists, double the love |
While Crotone gave it a great effort, and Ounas challenged our defense while Djidji fought their defensive battles honorably, in the end, Milan's quality provided the convincing win. It was so great to have Calhanoglu back, even if we missed a few players yet again. This game was a treat after the first whole week without a Milan game in some time, as well. Like the most delicious burger around, Milan provided fans with a tasty double double.
Almost as good as a Milan win at 6am
This post inspired by the always sinfully delicious In n' Out Double Double burger