Ac Milan failed to continue their winning campaign at the UEFA Champions League as the Rossoneri was held into a 1-1 draw against the home team Ajax Amsterdam in a rather too “friendly”affair at the Amsterdam Arena.
In this rather slow paced contest, the home team took the lead first through El Hamdaoui after receiving a pass from Luis Suarez who sublimely nutmeg Alessandro Nesta in the process, Milan equalize not long after it though as Zlatan Ibrahimovic pounce on Seedorf cross.
The Rossoneri arrived in Amsterdam Arena carrying two of the home team former star players, Ibrahimovic and Seedorf, in the starting line up, making the friendly atmosphere in the game looks very vivid. It was an even contest as the home team had a little bit more possession but didn’t look ultimately dangerous aside from the goal that they scored by El Hamdaoui.
Milan on the other hand despite not playing in a normal fashion had the better of the chances as just minutes before Ibra tied the game, the Rossoneri should have scored through Robinho who miss a complete seater. The Brazilian managed to break Ajax’s offside trap and only need to beat the goal keeper in a one on one position but shockingly putting the ball inches wide of Stekelenbug’s net.
Overall it wasn’t a vintage performance from both sides, especially from Milan that looked tired as they keep trying to slow the tempo down. All of the finest action pretty much happened in the first half as only one great goal scoring opportunity arrived in the second half for the away team as Prince Boateng close range shot from a tight angle miraculously saved by Stekelenburg.
The Rossoneri’s coach, Massimilano Allegri seems content in getting a draw in this game as it’s a bit seen by the tiredness of his players, particularly Robinho and Ibrahimovic who slowed down a bit in the second period. Surprisingly, Allegri didn’t give any playing time for Ronaldinho who was being kept on the bench as the coach looks to keep him fit for the upcoming Serie A match next weekend.
In the end it’s pretty much a fair result considering both teams doesn’t seem that eager to go for broke as they are very content in getting the draw which is pretty useful for both. Surely Milan who already earned 3 points from their first game have the edge as now they already got 4 points, while Ajax that lose their opening match only have 1 point. Still the home team did earned a point that should be cherished as it might be handy for them in the future.
Many may think that it was a disappointing performance from the Rossoneri, however in truth they were actually playing much more effective as aside from one defensive mistake that lead to the goal, Christian Abbiati hasn’t really made any saves. Not only that, Milan did have the better of the chances as Ajax’s opportunity mostly blocked by the fashion capital side’s defense or ends up in some wayward shooting. My personal conclusion, it wasn’t pretty from the Italian giant but it was effective and with a bit of luck they actually deserved the three point if Robinho didn’t left his shooting boots at home.
Ajax Amsterdam v Ac Milan 1-1
Goals: El Hamdaoui (Ajax); Ibrahimovic (Milan)
Ajax: Stekelenburg; Van Der Wiel, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Anita (Sulejmani 39); Enoh, S De Jong, De Zeeuw (Lindgren 80); Suarez, El Hamdaoui, Emanuelson
Milan: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Flamini (Boateng 52); Seedorf (Abate 85); Robinho (Inzaghi 85), Ibrahimovic
photo credit: VanDammeMaarten.be
