AC Milan vs. Girona | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

Still in contention for a coveted top-eight finish, AC Milan will look to continue their Champions League revival at the expense of Girona in a pivotal clash at the San Siro on Wednesday evening. This matchup carries significant implications for the Italian giants, who have rebounded from a poor start to the group phase to position themselves on the brink of the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Girona, making their European debut, are battling to salvage some pride from a campaign that has largely highlighted the gulf between them and Europe’s elite.

AC Milan’s path to their current position has been anything but straightforward. After back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures of the league phase, the Rossoneri seemed destined for an early exit. However, an impressive turnaround has seen them string together four consecutive victories against formidable opponents: Club Brugge, Real Madrid, Slovan Bratislava, and Red Star Belgrade. Their latest triumph, a hard-fought 2-1 win over Red Star at the San Siro, exemplified their resilience. Rafael Leão and Tammy Abraham delivered decisive goals, ensuring Milan not only secured three points but also placed themselves in contention for automatic qualification to the last 16.

This resurgence in Europe contrasts sharply with their domestic form. Milan have struggled for consistency in Serie A, managing only two wins in six league matches since the Champions League break. A string of draws and a lack of clinical finishing have left them languishing in eighth place, a whopping 19 points behind league leaders. New manager Sergio Conceição, appointed mid-season to replace Paulo Fonseca, has injected some life into the squad. Under his guidance, Milan claimed the Supercoppa Italiana, overcoming deficits against both Juventus and Inter Milan. Despite this promising start, his unbeaten streak came to an end last weekend with a 2-0 loss to Juventus. The defeat underscored Milan’s ongoing challenges as they seek to bridge the gap to Serie A’s top four.

Now, Conceição prepares for his first Champions League match in charge of the seven-time European champions, a competition where he boasts an impressive record from his tenure at Porto. Milan fans will hope that his tactical acumen can guide the team to another European victory and cement their position in the top eight. With 12 points from six games, Milan are well-placed to secure their playoff spot, but they will be eager to push for automatic progression to the knockout stages.

In stark contrast to Milan’s storied history, Girona are navigating uncharted territory in their first-ever Champions League campaign. Their lack of experience at this level has been evident, as they sit near the bottom of the standings with just three points. Five defeats in six matches have left Michel’s men clinging to faint hopes of advancing. Realistically, they require back-to-back wins and favorable results elsewhere to extend their European journey. A daunting trip to the iconic San Siro presents a formidable challenge for the Catalan side.

Girona’s struggles have been particularly pronounced away from home. They have lost all three of their road fixtures in the competition without scoring a single goal, suffering defeats against Paris Saint-Germain, Sturm Graz, and PSV Eindhoven. Their 4-0 loss to PSV was especially humbling and highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued their campaign. Offensively, Girona have also faltered, with their only Champions League goal since October coming from Juanpe in a victory over Slovan Bratislava.

Domestically, Girona’s fortunes have been equally mixed. A mid-table position in La Liga reflects their inability to replicate last season’s successes. Their recent 2-1 home loss to Sevilla, in which they squandered a lead before conceding an 88th-minute winner, epitomizes their inconsistency. With just four away wins in all competitions this season, Girona enter Wednesday’s encounter as significant underdogs.

Team news further complicates Girona’s task. Striker Bojan Miovski remains sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving Abel Ruiz to lead the line. Miguel Gutiérrez is another absentee, while Colombian international Yaser Asprilla and Portu have only recently returned from layoffs. Arnaut Danjuma, despite being Girona’s most prolific shooter in the competition with 11 attempts, is enduring an eight-game Champions League drought. Having recovered from illness, Danjuma could feature at the San Siro but faces immense pressure to rediscover his scoring touch.

On the other side, Milan are grappling with defensive challenges. Both of Sergio Conceição’s preferred center-backs are unavailable: Fikayo Tomori is serving a suspension, and Malick Thiaw is nursing an injury. The Rossoneri’s defensive depth will be tested, but their attacking options offer cause for optimism. Tammy Abraham, who has scored in his last two Champions League outings, is expected to deputize for Álvaro Morata if the latter is not fully fit. Christian Pulisic, tied with Tijjani Reijnders as Milan’s top scorer in the competition, has overcome a minor muscle issue and is set to start. The American winger’s creative spark and goal-scoring ability will be crucial against a Girona side desperate to tighten their backline.

With so much at stake, the encounter promises to be a compelling battle of narratives. For Milan, a win would solidify their resurgence in Europe and provide a morale boost as they navigate a challenging domestic campaign. Conceição’s tactical approach will likely focus on exploiting Girona’s defensive frailties while shoring up a makeshift backline. The presence of experienced European campaigners like Rafael Leão and Pulisic could make the difference in unlocking Girona’s defense.

Meanwhile, Girona approach the match with nothing to lose. While their Champions League dreams are all but over, the opportunity to play at the San Siro against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs provides motivation in itself. Michel’s men will aim to frustrate Milan defensively and capitalize on set-pieces or counter-attacks to spring a surprise. The odds may be stacked against them, but a spirited performance could salvage some pride and offer a platform for future growth.

Ultimately, the outcome of Wednesday’s clash will likely hinge on Milan’s ability to manage their defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining their attacking momentum. Girona, for all their struggles, have shown flashes of quality and will look to make the most of any opportunities that come their way. The San Siro, with its rich history and passionate crowd, sets the stage for a match that could either reinforce Milan’s European credentials or provide a rare highlight in Girona’s debut campaign.