MILAN, ITALY — Rafael Leão's spectacular long-range effort rescued a point for AC Milan as they battled to a 1-1 draw with Como at San Siro, denying the visitors what would have been a memorable victory in this Serie A encounter. The Portuguese winger's 64th-minute thunderbolt from outside the box brought the Rossoneri level after Nico Paz's sublime first-half strike had threatened to deliver all three points for the promoted side.
The opening exchanges were cagey as both teams probed for weaknesses, with Milan enjoying marginally more possession but struggling to break down Como's organized defensive structure. The visitors grew into the contest as the half progressed, and their confidence was rewarded in the 32nd minute when Paz produced a moment of individual brilliance. The Argentine midfielder collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a left-footed drive that arrowed into the center of Mike Maignan's net, giving the French goalkeeper no chance despite getting a hand to it. The San Siro fell silent as Como celebrated a deserved lead, their tactical discipline and counter-attacking threat causing Milan genuine problems.
Sergio Conceição's side emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, introducing Matteo Gabbia for Strahinja Pavlovic in search of greater stability. The Rossoneri pressed higher up the pitch, with Christopher Nkunku and Luka Modric trying to unlock Como's rearguard through intricate passing combinations. Jean Butez in the Como goal was forced into action on several occasions, but the breakthrough seemed elusive until Leão seized his moment. Ardon Jashari's intelligent pass found the winger in space, and Leão didn't hesitate, striking a right-footed shot from distance that flew into the top right corner with such ferocity that Butez could only watch it sail past him.
The goal transformed the complexion of the match, with Milan suddenly believing they could complete the turnaround. Conceição introduced Youssouf Fofana and Alexis Saelemaekers to inject fresh energy into midfield, and the Rossoneri dominated the final quarter. Fofana came agonizingly close in the 70th minute, heading just over from close range after excellent work from Saelemaekers. Como, however, refused to retreat into their shell. Cesc Fàbregas responded with attacking substitutions of his own, bringing on Tasos Douvikas and Álex Valle to maintain their threat on the break.
The statistics reflected the tight nature of the contest, with possession split almost evenly at 53.7% to Milan and 46.3% to Como. Both teams managed four shots on target from their respective totals of six and ten attempts, illustrating Como's greater willingness to test Maignan. The physical battle in midfield was evident in the foul count, with Como committing 12 to Milan's 11, while both goalkeepers were called upon to make three saves each. The referee brandished five yellow cards in total, with Nico Paz, Sergi Roberto, and Jean Butez cautioned for Como, while Rafael Leão and Alexis Saelemaekers saw yellow for Milan, the latter for a late foul on Martin Baturina.
The closing stages produced drama at both ends as the teams searched for a winner. Douvikas thought he had restored Como's lead in the 76th minute when he met Mërgim Vojvoda's cross with a powerful header, but Maignan produced a vital save to keep the scores level. Milan responded immediately, with Christian Pulisic—introduced for Leão in the 82nd minute—forcing Butez into action with a right-footed effort from the left side of the box that the Belgian goalkeeper gathered safely. The American's fresh legs nearly made an immediate impact, but Como's defensive resolve held firm.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Como continued to threaten on the counter. Baturina fired narrowly wide from distance in the 80th minute, while substitute Jesús Rodríguez tested Maignan with a well-struck effort from outside the box in the 93rd minute that the Milan goalkeeper pushed away to his right. At the other end, Gabbia headed wide from a corner as Milan threw bodies forward in search of a late winner, but Como's organization and commitment ensured they would leave with a share of the spoils.
The draw represents a missed opportunity for Milan, who remain second in the table with 36 points but failed to capitalize on their home advantage against a side sitting sixth. For Como, the point extends their impressive run since promotion and keeps them firmly in the mix for European qualification, now on 28 points. The visitors will take enormous confidence from their performance at one of Italian football's most iconic venues, matching the Rossoneri in every department and coming within minutes of a famous victory.
Both teams now turn their attention to crucial fixtures on February 22nd, with Milan traveling to face Parma while Como host Juventus in what promises to be another stern examination of their credentials.