COMO, ITALY — In a pulsating Serie A encounter that defied statistical expectations, AC Milan secured a commanding 3-1 victory at Como's Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, with Adrien Rabiot emerging as the match's decisive protagonist. Despite Como's overwhelming possession and shot dominance, Milan's clinical finishing and tactical resilience ultimately proved the difference in a match that kept supporters on the edge of their seats.
The game unfolded with remarkable drama from the opening moments. Marc Oliver Kempf's early header in the 10th minute gave Como a surprising lead, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, Milan's response was swift and calculated. Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty just before halftime, leveling the score and shifting the match's momentum.
Rabiot became the game's central figure with two stunning goals that dramatically transformed the contest. In the 55th minute, he expertly finished a Rafael Leão through ball, sliding the ball past the goalkeeper with precision and giving Milan a 2-1 lead. His second goal in the 88th minute, a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box, was a moment of individual brilliance that effectively sealed the victory and crushed Como's spirited resistance.
The match statistics told a fascinating story of defiance against the odds. Como dominated possession at an extraordinary 67.6%, launching 18 shots compared to Milan's mere 7. Mike Maignan, Milan's goalkeeper, was a heroic figure, making eight crucial saves that prevented the home side from capitalizing on their territorial superiority. His performance was a masterclass in defensive resilience, keeping Milan in the contest during Como's most intense periods of pressure.
Tactical nuance played a significant role in Milan's victory. While Como controlled the midfield and created numerous chances, Milan's counter-attacking strategy and clinical finishing proved decisively effective. Rafael Leão's intelligent through ball for Rabiot's first goal exemplified the visitors' lethal efficiency, turning possession into a potent attacking threat.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. Nico Paz's attempt that struck the woodwork in the 59th minute and Maxence Caqueret's late shot that tested Maignan highlighted Como's persistent threat. However, Milan's defensive organization and strategic substitutions, including the introductions of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Niclas Füllkrug, helped manage the game's closing stages with professional composure.
Looking ahead, AC Milan will host Lecce on January 18, seeking to maintain their strong second-place position in Serie A. Como, despite the defeat, will look to bounce back when they host Lazio on January 19, hoping to translate their impressive statistical performance into points.
This victory underscores Milan's resilience and tactical flexibility, proving they can win even when not dominating possession. For Como, the match will feel like a missed opportunity, having created numerous chances but failing to convert them into a positive result. Rabiot's match-winning performance serves as a testament to the importance of clinical finishing in modern football, where quality often trumps quantity.