Sergio Conceicao won his first Champions League game in charge of AC Milan as Rafael Leao’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over Girona and strengthened their grip on a top-eight finish.
The Portugal forward’s fine first-half finish left Milan sixth in the standings with one game to go as they bid to progress straight to the last 16.
Milan full-back Emerson Royal was forced off injured after just three minutes but the hosts soon began to find their stride, Tijjani Reijnders and Leao forcing saves from Paulo Gazzaniga.
What a player, honestly ❤️🔥#MilanGirona #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/cIBUsiPofT
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 22, 2025
Theo Hernandez missed a golden chance on 23 minutes, scuffing his strike from Leao’s cutback into the ground and it bounced off the bar on its way behind.
The Rossoneri hit the woodwork again as Yunus Musah’s low effort cannoned off the inside of the post.
Girona were a threat on the break and should have been ahead just after the half-hour mark when Donny van de Beek danced through but was denied by Mike Maignan, before the France goalkeeper kept out Viktor Tsygankov’s shot.
Leao put Milan ahead after 37 minutes, being played in after superb work by Ismael Bennacer before jinking past the Girona defenders and lashing in from six yards out.
Hernandez missed another big chance 10 minutes after the break, slicing into the side-netting after being played in on goal.
Girona thought they had levelled two minutes later as Bryan Gil’s superb left-footed strike found the far corner but the on-loan Tottenham winger was shown to have had a toe offside.
Milan saw the game out and know victory away to Dinamo Zagreb next week will secure their spot in the last 16.
