Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In a game where the expected and unexpected happened, PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan shared the spoils in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie. The final score was 1-1, but both sides could have scored at least two more each. Regardless, this is a good score line for Milan while PSV have it all to do in Italy.
Milan have scored an away goal so in order for the second leg to hit extra time, the match must end 1-1 in regulation. PSV can and most likely will score on the road in Milan, but we can all bet that Milan will definitely score in front of their home fans in Milano … no question or doubt about it.
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Milan scored on a counter attack led by fullback Ignazio Abate who entered the final third then crossed to a wide-open Stephan El Shaarawy, who headed home in a timely and accurate manner. The miscommunication defensively between the right and center backs allowed the Egyptian-Italian winger/striker to jog into space and finish the job.
The starting center-backs on PSV are Jeffrey Bruma and Karim Rekik who are both on loan to the club from Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. The reasons why they are not good enough for those clubs were obvious tonight on that one play… it absolutely unacceptable to leave a player of that caliber wide open in the box.
PSV scored a rather fortunate goal as a shot from distance was deflected back towards the top of the 18 right to Tim Matavz who rebounded with his head into the bottom corner of the frame. This was solely a goal-keeping error, which led to the easiest of finishes for a professional soccer player.
PSV are a youthful side that will feel like they can go into Milan’s grounds and play to the best of their ability. Tonight, they created chances but were unfortunate to not capitalize on more than one occasion. Their main weakness is their inexperienced defense which can be eaten up by the Milanese strikers … especially in Italy.
Milan are expected to finish the job next week … simple as that.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 PSV — PSV will miss chances whereas Milan will capitalize on at least two of their many.
