The Portuguese, upon his return, called upon to drag the Rossoneri to Newcastle: only one possible result to hope for the round of 16 and remain in Europe
The forecast says the weather is up Newcastle is slightly improving. We are still in Englandso there will be no shortage of clouds on Wednesday evening too, but the rain should give a break and leave room for just enough clear weather in the house Milan it would be worth a deep and liberating breath. The weather on Milano instead it is what it is, with the first mists, in some ways thick, that have descended Stefano Pioli and his future, the rumors that chase each other and are timidly denied by the club, the discontent swept under the carpet, the usual injury emergency. The only ray of sunshine on the horizon is the smile of Rafa Leao: The Portuguese has passed the last test and will be available for the most important match of the year. The one with no alternatives: win or die. Win or say goodbye to Europe.
There has been plenty of talk in recent hours of the opportunity or not to celebrate a possible relegation to the Europa League and, as was easily predictable, the world Milan it was divided between those who would accept the “slide” in order to stay in Europe – because they could even win it, say the most optimistic – and those who, instead, would also bet the last chip left at the table on an unlikely championship. To stay in Champions almost no one speaks anymore. It’s not cosmic pessimism, it’s just that there is only one possibility: winning at Newcastle and hope for the simultaneous defeat of Psg at the home of the already qualified player, and in case of a draw first in the group, Borussia Dortmund.
Perhaps it is therefore more logical to start from here: can the Germans give this last chance of qualification to Milan? On paper the Parisians are stronger, but a Dortmundin the Champions League, no one has won in a lifetime and it is therefore not certain that it will be easy to do so even for Mbappé and companions. Of course, a draw would be enough to go straight to the round of 16, but getting there as runners-up would significantly complicate the European path of the team Luis Enrique who, therefore, will try to go to Germany to win. Obviously, with the risk, calculated just right, of losing. Even more so since away, in the current Champions League, the Psg he always lost: very badly a Newcastle and bad against the Milan. Obviously also the Dortmund will do their calculations and will first of all try to preserve first place in the group, but a free head and the opportunity to eliminate a strong and prestigious opponent could push the Germans to go for broke. Thus giving Milan or Newcastle a huge chance of qualifying.
On the other hand, the two pursuers – Newcastle and Milan in fact, at 5 points against 7 for PSG – they have no alternative to victory. A draw would eliminate both regardless of the outcome of Dortmund (and would send the English into Europa League), so it is foreseeable that the match can be fought and opened. And that in the spaces that will certainly exist – unlike the first leg, when the English defended the 0-0 very poorly – physical strength and the superior quality of Rafa Leao. All in Newcastle’s worst period, fresh from two consecutive failures in the Premier League against Everton and Tottenham, without starting goalkeeper Pope (Dubravka will play) and with a score of seven goals conceded and one scored in the last two matches. In short, winning in England won’t be easy but it’s not impossible. Milan, and Pioli, whose future could depend on the match in Newcastle, are holding on to the Portuguese to achieve a qualification that would be miraculous. A deep and liberating breath within a long period of apnea and abstinence. If there is a way to find Milan again it is to win a decisive and complicated match. Every other possibility leads into the abyss. There really aren’t any alternatives.
See also Milan Milan: Leao passes the test with the Primavera, he will be there with Newcastle
2023-12-11 07:45:20
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