It was a bittersweet night at San Siro. Milan wrapped up its 2024-25 season with a 2-0 win over relegated Monza, a result that spared the club from the indignity of an early Coppa Italia qualifier but did little to wash away the stains of a deeply disappointing campaign. Yet within that quiet, conflicted evening, Christian Pulisic reached a milestone worth celebrating, even if two of his personal records narrowly slipped from his grasp.
The match unfolded under a cloud of frustration, both on and off the pitch. Fans protested before and during the game, making their discontent known after a season that saw Milan fall short of European qualification. Head coach Sergio Conceicao was absent, serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Roma. But despite the air of resignation, the Red and Blacks players — and Pulisic in particular — gave San Siro something to remember.
Match marked by protest and promise
From the outset, Milan looked the more determined of the two sides. Joao Felix, preferred over Rafael Leao, was at the heart of the team’s early pressure. He set up multiple opportunities, including one where Christian Pulisic headed over the bar after a teasing cross from Yunus Musah.
But the biggest off-field moment came just 15 minutes into the game. With the departure of Milan’s ultras early in the game, the stadium became noticeably quieter. That silence underscored the disconnect between supporters and the team — a moment that made even the 26-year-old forward’s milestone feel muted.
Matteo Gabbia broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, heading in from a corner taken by substitute Samuel Chukwueze. Ten minutes later, Felix was rewarded for his persistence, curling in a magnificent free-kick from 20 yards to seal the 2-0 win. It was his final act before being substituted — and it left the fans wondering if they had just seen him in a Milan shirt for the last time.
Pulisic’s jubilee — And the records that got away
Amid the rotation and substitutions, Christian Pulisic’s contribution remained steady. His talent, skill, and selflessness shone through in everything that he did. While he couldn’t get on the scoresheet, his darting runs and one near-miss into the side-netting underscored his determination.
But the American’s biggest moment came quietly: with his appearance, he reached 100 matches played for the Rossoneri across all competitions, a notable achievement for a player whose consistency and versatility have anchored the team through turbulent spells.
Still, he had more than just a milestone in sight. Had he scored, he would have matched his career-best 12 goals in a top-five European league, achieved just last season. An assist or a goal would also have pushed his goal contribution total past 20, another personal record. Instead, Pulisic finished the Serie A season with 11 goals and nine assists, just shy of his targets.
