In the 87th minute, Junior Messias took over a cross from Franck Kessie to offer the Italians their first victory of the season in C1, and relegate Atlético to last place in group B before the 6th and final day of the group stage. , in two weeks.

Brazilian striker from AC Milan Junior Messias scores the only goal in the Champions League group match against Atletico on November 24, 2021 at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP

A turnaround that completely reshuffles the cards of this group: on the verge of elimination throughout the match, Milan can still hope to see the eighth in the event of a feat at home on December 7 against Liverpool, who beat Porto 2- 0 Wednesday night at Anfield.

Atlético, for their part, will have to go to Porto to win if they want to qualify.

As on the first leg, where the Colchoneros had won 2-1 thanks to a 90th + 7 goal from Luis Suarez, the opposition between Milanese and Madrilenians offered a breathtaking final, after a lackluster match and poor in occasions.

"An incredible match"

Stefano Pioli, the Milanese technician, even entered the pitch to celebrate the goal with his players, carried away with joy: "The boys had an exceptional match in terms of quality, personality and courage. I just wanted to celebrate. with them ", explained the technician on Prime Video.

The joy of AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli after his team's 1-0 victory against Atlético in their Champions League group match on November 24, 2021 at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid OSCAR DEL POZO AFP

Rodrigo de Paul, the Argentine who arrived in the offseason in the Spanish capital, was the only one to threaten Ciprian Tatarusanu in the first half, but he did not frame his recovery in the 3rd minute, nor his shot. from outside the area to the 19th.

And opposite, Brahim Diaz was the only man to offer offensive solutions for the Milanese.

The former resident of Real Madrid (the neighboring club and rival Atlético) has multiplied the breakthroughs in the thick rojiblanco curtain, but often felt very lonely, although sometimes supported by Aldo Kalulu on his right wing.

"We had an incredible game, the whole team deserved it. Atlético are an opponent who is not easy, Wanda is a stadium that is not easy ... but we did it ", he savored after the match.

Giroud, injured

It was not until the 47th minute to see the first two shots on target: the Belgian Alexis Saelemaekers alerted Jan Oblak from the left, and the French Thomas Lemar also had his chance from the right, in the wake.

But at the end of the game, Atlético did not stop retreating and collapsing under the onslaught of the Milanese ... who lost Olivier Giroud on the way.

The French center-forward left the pitch in the 65th, holding the back of the left thigh, and was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

French AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud leaves the field after injuring himself against Atlético during their Champions League group match on November 24, 2021 at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid OSCAR DEL POZO AFP

The Swede, for example, struck a point blank shot, stopped by the right hand of Jan Oblak, who could do nothing on the more than precious goal of Junior Messias a minute later.

"The players gave everything. In the attitude, I have no complaints. We did good things in defense in the first half, but in attack, we could have made better choices. But I'm more optimistic than ever. Because when you are in this situation, it is complicated to play. Whoever really deserves it will pass, "concluded Diego Simeone.

© 2021 AFP