Rabiot leads Milan fightback to close gap on Inter
Milan respond to title pressure
AC Milan kept the Serie A title race alive with a strong 3-1 comeback win away at in-form Como on Thursday night. Adrien Rabiot was the key figure, winning a penalty and scoring twice as the Rossoneri cut Inter Milan’s lead at the top back to three points.
Inter had gone six points clear a day earlier after beating Lecce, with Napoli dropping points against Parma. Milan knew anything less than a win would leave them with a mountain to climb, and they delivered when it mattered.
Como make the perfect start
Things did not begin well for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Como, sitting sixth and full of confidence, took the lead after just 10 minutes. A short corner caught Milan out and Marc-Oliver Kempf rose unmarked to head past the goalkeeper.
The hosts continued to control large parts of the first half, pressing high and forcing Milan into mistakes. Milan struggled to find rhythm and created little from open play, while Christian Pulisic remained on the bench throughout the match.
Rabiot changes the game
Milan were handed a lifeline right on halftime. Adrien Rabiot burst into the box and was brought down by Kempf. Christopher Nkunku stepped up and converted the penalty, with the ball squirming under the body of Jean Butez to make it 1-1.
That goal completely shifted the momentum. Milan came out sharper after the break and took control of the game.
Leão and Rabiot combine
Ten minutes into the second half, Milan turned the match around. Rafael Leão controlled a long crossfield pass, cut inside with ease and lifted a clever ball into the box. Rabiot timed his run perfectly, chested the ball down and fired a controlled volley into the bottom corner.
Como pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left space behind, and Milan punished them late on. Niclas Füllkrug headed the ball back into Rabiot’s path, and the French midfielder drilled a low shot into the near post to seal the win.
Title race back on
The victory keeps Milan firmly in the hunt and ensures the pressure remains on Inter. With Rabiot in this form, the Rossoneri are not going away quietly.
