Champions League

AC Milan Fall to Dinamo Zagreb, Face Play-Off for Last 16

AC Milan squandered their chance to secure an automatic place in the Champions League last 16 after losing 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb. Already guaranteed progression but chasing a top-eight finish, Milan must now compete in a play-off against either Feyenoord or Juventus. Desperate to avoid elimination, Dinamo started aggressively and took the lead when Martin Baturina pounced on Matteo Gabbia’s mistake and slotted past Mike Maignan.

The Croatian side nearly doubled their advantage before halftime but Sandro Kulenovic wasted a golden opportunity, side-footing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Milan’s situation worsened early in the second half when Yunus Musah received a second yellow card for pulling back Luka Stojkovic. Shortly after, Stojkovic thought he had extended Dinamo’s lead but officials disallowed his goal due to a handball in the build-up.

Taking advantage of the let-off, Milan quickly responded as Christian Pulisic fired a low shot that slipped under Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic to equalize. However, Dinamo regained control on the hour mark when Marko Pjaca drilled a precise shot into the far corner from a tight angle. Milan briefly believed they had won a penalty but the referee overturned the decision after ruling that Rafael Leão fouled a defender before getting brought down himself.

Although Dinamo secured the victory, they still failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s defeat forces them into the play-off round where they must battle Feyenoord or Serie A rivals Juventus for a last 16 spot.

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