EMPOLI vs MILAN 0-2 | HIGHLIGHTS | Subs win fiery match for Milan | Serie A 2024/25

AC Milan secured a crucial 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Empoli on Saturday in a Serie A encounter that saw both sides reduced to ten men. The match, held at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, was a tense and tactical affair that only sprang to life in the second half when Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez found the back of the net for the Rossoneri. The win propelled Milan to seventh place in the league standings with 38 points, keeping them within touching distance of the European qualification spots, while Empoli remained precariously positioned in 17th place with 21 points, just one above the relegation zone.

The first half unfolded in a cagey fashion, with both teams struggling to carve out clear-cut scoring opportunities. Milan, despite their superior quality on paper, found it difficult to break through Empoli’s disciplined defensive setup. João Félix had an early opportunity in the 20th minute, but his effort drifted wide of the post, summing up Milan's frustrations in the opening period. Meanwhile, Empoli nearly took the lead when Lorenzo Colombo struck the woodwork just past the half-hour mark, sending a warning to the visitors that they could not afford to take their opponents lightly.

Milan manager Sérgio Conceição recognized the need for a change in approach at halftime, and he wasted no time in making decisive substitutions. The introduction of Rafael Leão, Santiago Giménez, and Christian Pulisic breathed new life into Milan’s attack, and their impact was felt almost immediately. The trio brought a renewed sense of urgency, dynamism, and directness to the team, forcing Empoli to retreat deeper into their defensive shell. Pulisic, in particular, was instrumental in linking midfield with attack, while Leão and Giménez provided the cutting edge that Milan had sorely lacked in the first half.

"The three points are the most important thing. We had difficulty in the first half, but did well after the two red cards," Pulisic told DAZN after the match. "This is the spirit we need. We have a lot of quality in the squad, now even more with the new signings."

However, Milan’s second-half resurgence was nearly derailed when Fikayo Tomori was sent off in the 55th minute after receiving a second yellow card. The English defender had been walking a disciplinary tightrope throughout the match, and his late challenge left the referee with no choice but to issue his marching orders. Reduced to ten men and facing the prospect of a long second half, Milan had to quickly regroup and adjust their game plan to compensate for Tomori’s absence.

Empoli, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on their numerical advantage, pressed forward in search of a breakthrough. However, their momentum was short-lived as Luca Marianucci was shown a straight red card just ten minutes later following a VAR review. The Empoli midfielder lashed out at Santiago Giménez in an off-the-ball incident, and after a lengthy consultation with the video assistant referee, the referee deemed his actions worthy of immediate dismissal. The sending-off restored numerical parity and swung the momentum back in Milan’s favor.

With Empoli momentarily destabilized by Marianucci’s dismissal, Milan seized the initiative and finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Christian Pulisic, who had been one of the standout performers since coming on, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Rafael Leão rose highest to meet it with a powerful header. The Portuguese forward’s precise finishing left Empoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile with no chance, sending the traveling Milan supporters into a frenzy. Leão’s goal not only provided Milan with the breakthrough they desperately needed but also underscored the value of Conceição’s tactical adjustments at halftime.

Buoyed by their lead, Milan continued to press forward in search of a second goal to put the game beyond Empoli’s reach. Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Santiago Giménez produced a moment of individual brilliance. The newly signed forward received the ball inside the box, expertly cut inside a defender, and curled a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner of the net. It was a goal of the highest quality, showcasing the composure and technical ability that made Milan keen to bring him in during the transfer window.

Reflecting on his performance, Giménez expressed his satisfaction with how Milan handled the game’s challenges. "Games are always difficult in Serie A, so we had to push really hard, but we made it," he said. His goal provided Milan with the breathing room they needed and ensured that they would leave Empoli with all three points.

The victory was an important statement of intent for Milan, who are keen to climb back into the European qualification spots after an inconsistent first half of the season. With 38 points, they remain within striking distance of the top six, and performances like this suggest that they are heading in the right direction under Conceição’s leadership. More importantly, the match demonstrated the squad’s depth and resilience, as key substitutions turned the tide in their favor despite adversity.

Looking ahead, Milan now shift their focus to the Champions League knockout playoffs, where they will face Dutch side Feyenoord on Wednesday. The match holds special significance for Santiago Giménez, who will be coming up against his former club for the first time since making the switch to Italy. The Argentine forward, who became a fan favorite at Feyenoord, acknowledged the emotional weight of the fixture.

"It's going to be really tough. It's a lot of emotion because Feyenoord gave me a lot, they are like family," Giménez admitted. Despite his strong connection to the Dutch club, he emphasized that his focus is now fully on helping Milan progress in the competition.

Empoli, meanwhile, will need to quickly regroup after another setback in what has been a challenging campaign. With just 21 points and sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, every match from here on out will be crucial in their fight for survival. Manager Davide Nicola will be hoping that his side can learn from this defeat and build on the positives from their first-half display, particularly their defensive organization and ability to limit Milan’s attacking threat for large periods.

As the Serie A season progresses, Milan will be looking to build on this result and continue their push for a return to Europe. With key players like Leão and Giménez finding form, and new signings integrating well into the squad, the Rossoneri have every reason to be optimistic about their prospects. Their next challenge in the league will be a crucial clash against a direct rival for European places, and performances like the one against Empoli will be key in maintaining their upward trajectory.

Ultimately, Milan’s victory was a testament to their squad depth, tactical flexibility, and ability to grind out results even in difficult circumstances. While Empoli put up a fight, the individual brilliance of Milan’s substitutes made the difference, securing three invaluable points on the road. As the season enters its decisive phase, every match will carry significant weight, and Milan will be eager to carry this momentum forward in both domestic and European competitions.