AC Milan’s 3–1 victory away to Como was a match that unfolded in clear phases, each telling its own story and ultimately highlighting the difference in experience, composure, and quality between the two sides.
While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the reality was far more nuanced, especially during a first half in which Como matched and at times outplayed their illustrious visitors.
From the opening whistle, Como approached the game with bravery and intent. Rather than sitting deep, they pressed Milan in midfield, moved the ball quickly, and looked to exploit spaces out wide.
Their confidence was rewarded early. In the 10th minute, a well-delivered corner caused confusion in the Milan penalty area, and Marc Oliver Kempf timed his run perfectly to rise above the defence and head the ball powerfully into the middle of the net. It was a deserved goal that reflected Como’s bright start and immediately shifted the atmosphere in the stadium.
That opener gave Como belief, and for much of the first half they played with freedom. Their midfield circulated the ball neatly, while Nico Paz and Lucas Da Cunha repeatedly tested Milan’s defensive structure with shots from range and clever movement between the lines. Mike Maignan was forced into several important interventions, including a superb save from close range that prevented Como from extending their lead. Those moments proved crucial, as Milan were clearly unsettled and struggling to impose their usual rhythm.
Gradually, however, AC Milan began to steady themselves. Their passing became more measured, and they started to dominate possession without necessarily creating clear-cut chances. Adrien Rabiot grew increasingly influential, using his physical presence and intelligence to drive Milan forward, while Christopher Nkunku’s movement began to stretch the Como back line. Despite this improvement, Como continued to defend resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter, ensuring the game remained finely balanced.
The pivotal moment of the first half arrived just before the interval. A clumsy challenge inside the box led the referee to award a penalty to Milan, a decision that was scrutinised through VAR before being confirmed. In a moment that tested nerves and mentality, Nkunku stepped up and showed remarkable composure. He paused in his run-up, waited for the goalkeeper to commit, and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1–1. That equaliser, arriving so late in the half, dramatically altered the psychological landscape of the match.
After the break, the difference between the two sides became more apparent. Milan returned to the pitch with greater intensity, sharper movement, and a clear determination to take control. They pressed higher, recycled possession quickly, and forced Como deeper into their own half. The pressure eventually told in the 55th minute. Following a scramble in the penalty area, Adrien Rabiot reacted faster than everyone else, latching onto the loose ball and firing a precise shot into the bottom right corner. In the space of ten minutes either side of halftime, Milan had completely turned the match around.
To their credit, Como refused to fold. They continued to push forward and were desperately unlucky not to find an equaliser when Nico Paz struck a powerful effort against the crossbar. That moment felt decisive. Had the ball dipped a fraction lower, the game could have swung back in Como’s favour. Instead, it served as a reminder of the fine margins at this level.
As the match moved into its final stages, Milan’s experience began to show. They slowed the tempo when needed, made intelligent substitutions, and denied Como the space they had enjoyed earlier. Rabiot, already dominant, put the result beyond doubt late on with a moment of pure quality. Picking up the ball outside the box, he unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that flew into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and making it 3–1. It was a goal worthy of sealing the contest and a fitting reward for his outstanding performance.
The closing minutes were largely about game management. Milan kept possession, absorbed what little pressure remained, and saw out the match with professionalism. When the final whistle blew, it confirmed a victory that showcased their resilience and maturity.
In summary, this was a match that underlined why AC Milan remain a formidable side. They weathered an early storm, stayed calm after conceding, and gradually asserted their superiority through control, discipline, and moments of individual brilliance. Como, despite the defeat, can take encouragement from a performance that showed courage, organisation, and attacking intent. Ultimately, the difference lay in Milan’s ability to seize key moments and in Adrien Rabiot’s commanding influence, which turned a difficult evening into a statement victory.
