Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-06 15:43:02
AC Milan defeated 10-man Lecce 3-0 on Saturday to solidify their hold on second place in Serie A and move closer to securing a spot in the Champions League for next season. The early goals from Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud, along with Rafael Leao’s well-taken finish, helped Milan secure an important victory and extend their winning streak to seven games in all competitions. They now sit comfortably ahead of third-placed Juventus by nine points, with just a few matches left in the season.
With Inter Milan comfortably leading the league, the focus for Milan now shifts to securing their place in the Champions League. The victory over Lecce was an ideal preparation for their upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash against Roma. Stefano Pioli, Milan’s manager, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and highlighted the importance of staying motivated for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Lecce, currently in 13th place, found themselves on the wrong end of a few contentious decisions during the match. Nikola Krstovic’s harsh red card just before half-time left the visitors with a mountain to climb against a strong Milan side. Despite their frustration with the officiating, Lecce’s focus now shifts to ensuring they remain above the relegation zone in the remaining matches.
The race for European spots in Serie A is heating up, with Roma aiming to secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League. The outcome of their local derby against Lazio could play a crucial role in determining their final league position. Additionally, Empoli, currently fighting to avoid relegation, face a tough test against Torino in the late fixture on Saturday.
Overall, AC Milan’s victory over Lecce was a significant step towards their goal of Champions League qualification. With their strong form and determination, they are well on course to achieve their objectives for the season. The focus now shifts to their upcoming Europa League clash and the remaining Serie A fixtures as they look to secure a successful campaign.
