Rafael Leão’s second-half breakthrough proved decisive as AC Milan ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cagliari at the Unipol Domus on Thursday, securing three vital points to kick off the new year.
The Portuguese winger delivered the decisive moment five minutes after the restart, converting past Elia Caprile to break the deadlock. Adrien Rabiot provided the assist on the goal that ultimately separated two evenly-matched sides in a contest that demanded patience from the Rossoneri.
Milan controlled proceedings with 54.2% possession and created the better chances, registering 11 shots to Cagliari’s six, with four efforts testing Caprile compared to just one at the other end. The Cagliari goalkeeper made three saves in a solid display, while veteran midfielder Luka Modrić orchestrated Milan’s attack with three key passes and added defensive bite with two interceptions, earning a 7.6 match rating.
Cagliari refused to surrender quietly. Adam Obert led the resistance with a 7.3-rated performance in midfield, while striker Sebastiano Esposito (7.2) threatened before his 66th-minute withdrawal. Manager’s adjustments came thick and fast after the goal, with five substitutions across both sides attempting to shift momentum, but Milan’s defensive unit—anchored by Fikayo Tomori’s four interceptions—held firm.
Late tensions boiled over as three yellow cards were brandished in the final stages, with Alexis Saelemaekers cautioned for Milan alongside Cagliari’s Raouf Idrissi and Marco Palestra.
The victory showcased Milan’s ability to grind out results even when not at their fluent best. With both sides completing 90% of their passes in a tactically disciplined affair, it was individual quality that made the difference—and Leão provided exactly that when it mattered most.
