After what has been an incredible year, Milan finished it off in the best way possible with a 3-2 win against Lazio, courtesy of an injury-time winner by Theo Hernandez. The Rossoneri can, therefore, enjoy their Christmas break without disappointment and come back even stronger on January 3rd.
It wasn’t conventional, but Stefano Pioli’s men got the job done this evening and preserved their lead at the top of the standings. As Inter managed to beat Hellas Verona earlier this evening, the Rossoneri were under the pressure to get the three points but didn’t crumble despite two conceded goals.
They got off to a great start, with two early goals, but the away side managed to fight their way back and it seemed like it was going to end in a draw. Just as against Parma, Hernandez saved the day with an injury-time goal and paved the way for some wild celebrations at the end. Down below are three things we learned.
1. This team never gives up
As alluded to already, this team simply never gives up and today was yet another testament to this. Despite the many injuries, on several key players, the Rossoneri performed on a high level and continued to fight even when things got tough. And that is why they have won so many games this season.
Sure, Milan do have a lot of individual quality but when it comes down to it, it’s the team capacity that matters and Pioli’s men have proved this time after time. This win will surely be a great boost ahead of the second half of the season, in which they will try to secure Champions League qualification (and maybe more).
2. Calhanoglu behind everything
The Turkish international really stepped up this evening and was absolutely crucial for Milan, behind all goals as he continued his good run of form assisting-wise. He also broke his goal drought in the league as he safely converted the penalty, with both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie missing.
He won the No.10 battle against Luis Alberto, there’s no doubt about it, and was the deciding factor as expected this evening. Hopefully, he will continue like this and continue to lead this Milan side amid the many injuries, although that situation will improve after the Christmas break.
3. Milan remain in Scudetto race
Paolo Maldini made it clear earlier this evening that the Rossoneri’s goal is to qualify for the Champions League, as he often has been asked about the Scudetto recently. That being said, Milan have shown that they are good enough to compete for the trophy, although it will be tough in the long run.
After all, the Rossoneri fans would be satisfied with a top-four finish, but as long as the unbeaten run continues they can at least allow themselves to dream about the Scudetto. For now, though, they need to take it step by step, game by game, as Pioli always says in his interviews.
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