Who Was Man Of The Match? Frank Kessie

AC Milan travelled to Wanda Metropolitano with the objective of snatching their first win in the Champions League this season. It is not only crucial to boost the team’s mentality after suffering their first loss in Serie A this weekend, but also saving their continental campaign to advance to the knock-out stage. Only three points would do it, otherwise, they would have to head to the exit.

Stefano Pioli employed 4-3-3 with the transition to his regular 4-2-3-1 formation. Pierre Kalulu did feature as expected as the right back in this game, as a replacement for Davide Calabria. Meanwhile, the French forward Olivier Giroud was given a chance in the line up, instead of Ibrahimovic. Atletico was in favor of their usual 3-4-2-1 formation.

It was a tight affair but not many decent chances were seen to keep the goalkeepers from both sides busy. The home side had their first real opportunity for an opener but denied by Tatasuranu, while Rossoneri’s most dangerous chance came at the second half when Ibrahimovic’s strike in the six yard box from the right side Diego Simone’s men’s defence line was also denied by Jan Oblak. The visitor’s winning goal came pretty late with Junior Messias as the unlikely hero once he headed the ball home three minutes before the injury time. It was enough to bounce back and battle for one spot to progress in the last game of the group.

The man of the match was Frank Kessie. The Ivorian was the goal provider through his cross and he was one of busy men at the defence besides initiating their attack.

Lets check out his MOTM worthy stats:

Frank Kessie’s Stats:

Rating: 7.72

Minutes played: 90

Pass accuracy %: 90.5

Goal contribution: 1 assist

Touches: 77

Shots (on target): 1

Cross completion: 1

Key Passes: 2

Aerial duels won: 2

Tackles: 2

Interceptions: 1

Clearances: 1

From the home side, none was entirely in their best form. The former Monaco man Thomas Lemar was the closest one. However, he was not involved much on the attacking side as he should have been.

Thomas Lemar’s Stats:

Rating: 73.6

Minutes played: 63

Pass accuracy %: 77.8

Touches: 46

Shots (on target): 1(1)

Dribbles: 4

Cross completion:

Key Passes:

Aerial duels won: 1

Tackles: 2

Interceptions: 1

Clearances: 1