MD 11: AD LISBOA 1–2 MILANO CALCIO
Lisboa dropped the ball, and find themselves only two points away from the relegation zone.
Written by: Saad Maan, Forta Evening News
A fixture with monumental importance for both the sides. With only one point separating the two sides in the relegation battle, three points could be the difference between staying up, and going down.
It was Milano who would strike first, after just ten minutes of play. New signing, and interim captain, Raiden Vokovic found himself in the left half-space, before playing a beautiful cross to Théo Charlier. With acres of space, the Belgian made no mistake as he headed home the first of the night.
With neither side comfortable going forward, the first half ended with Milano's lead intact. Lisboa made plenty of changes, reverting to the “Christmas tree” formation which famously won their former captain Kalle Knull the FU League Cup.
The first 40 minutes of the half could be summarized as a bland battle for possession in the midfield. It would take a moment of brilliance from Lisboa's midfield duo of Ruben Martinez and Ahmed Zidane to break open the half. Martinez, at the edge of the box, spotted a darting run by Zidane. Playing a perfect pass to his feet, Zidane had a go, placing his shot perfectly in the side netting — equalising the score.
Seemingly having stolen a point from Milano, the fans of Lisboa were ecstatic. However, the Lisboa players did not share the same feeling. Despite the goal, no celebrations from the bench could be seen, confirming the rumours of a dressing room discontent with their current captain Matthew Lennon.
It did not get any better for Lisboa or their captain, as Matthew Lennon would mistake a Milano player for his own, allowing them to counter. In a move swift as the wind itself, George Babatunde found Carlo Marchetti's run into the box. Determined to secure all three points for Milano, he slotted away the chance, leaving Bulka Bango Bongo no chance.
With Lisboa going winless in seven (all competitions), it all seems to be gloom and doom. Lennon's last tenure with the Portuguese club came to an abrupt end amid rumours of toxicity. Could we be seeing a repeat of last season's troubles?
