AC Milan’s victory over Como not solely marked a vital comeback but additionally solidified Rafael Leao’s place within the membership’s historical past. The Portuguese ahead, together with his profitable objective and constant efficiency, grew to become simply the fourth participant within the membership’s storied historical past to register at the least 60 targets and 50 assists, becoming a member of an elite group alongside a number of legends of soccer, together with Kaka.
The Rossoneri’s Serie A conflict in opposition to newly promoted Como proved to be a check of resilience. The house facet surprised the Rossoneri early within the second half, with their €12 million signing Assane Diao scoring on his full debut. His low-driven strike previous Mike Maignan capped a swift counterattack and gave Como a deserved lead.
Nevertheless, Milan showcased their trademark preventing spirit below new supervisor Sergio Conceicao. Simply as that they had in opposition to Juventus and Inter within the Italian Tremendous Cup, the Pink and Blacks mounted a comeback. Theo Hernandez equalized within the 71st minute with a looping volley that additionally broke a membership document, setting the stage for Rafael Leao’s brilliance.
With the rating degree, Tammy Abraham produced a second of magic, threading a wonderfully weighted by means of ball to Leao. The Portuguese ahead’s composure shone as he lifted the ball over Como’s goalkeeper, Jean Butez, securing the lead for Milan with quarter-hour to play.
This marked Leao’s first objective below Conceicao and demonstrated why he stays a pivotal determine in Milan’s lineup. Talking after the sport, the ahead mentioned: “I at all times attempt to rating targets, help, and assist my workforce. This victory has given everybody good confidence, particularly for the essential match in opposition to Juventus.”
Leao’s journey this season: From substitute below Fonseca to history-maker
The Portuguese’s latest kind in opposition to newly promoted groups has been exceptional. Over his final six matches in opposition to such opponents, he has been straight concerned in six targets, tallying two targets and 4 assists.
Since shifting to Italy in 2019, Leao’s journey has been certainly one of development and resilience. Initially considered as an alternative, he emerged because the MVP of Milan’s title-winning facet within the 2021-22 season. But, this season offered recent challenges, together with time spent on the bench below former supervisor Paulo Fonseca.
Regardless of these obstacles, the 25-year-old has confirmed his value repeatedly. In opposition to Como, he not solely contributed offensively but additionally labored tirelessly in protection, serving to his facet safe all three factors and new coach Conceicao earn his first league win.
Becoming a member of elite membership
Leao’s objective in opposition to Como etched his identify in AC Milan’s historical past books. With 60 targets and 50 assists, he grew to become solely the fourth participant to realize this milestone for the Rossoneri, the That Milan Podcast shared on X, through Transfermarkt. He follows within the footsteps of Gianni Rivera, Clarence Seedorf, and Kaka, legends who left an indelible mark on the membership.
A notable near-miss for this checklist is Marco van Basten, who recorded a powerful 125 targets and 49 assists in fewer matches than every other participant on the checklist.
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