AC Milan conceded in the 93rd minute against ten-man Crvena Zvezda to draw the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final round which held in Belgrade.
Milan who were favourites for this tie will be heading back to Italy a little disappointed, despite scoring two crucial away goals. They will now be looking to put the tie to bed when Red Star Belgrade visit the San Siro in a few days.
After controlling much of the opening exchanges but failing to produce anything, Stefano Pioli’s side went ahead in the 42nd minute when Radovan Pankov slide into his own net when trying to block Castillejo’s cross.
However, the hosts responded immediately after the restart with their equaliser coming through the penalty spot after the ball hit Romagnoli on the arm. Guelor Kanga stepped up to score, sending the ball past Donnarumma despite the keeper getting a hand on the ball.
Another penalty in the 59th minute put Milan ahead for the second time in the evening. Theo Hernandez, who won the penalty after being fouled by Milan Pankov in the box, converted, sending Borjan the wrong way. The goal was the defenders first in Europe this season, and his eleventh goal contribution in all competition for Milan this season.
Things went better for Milan in the 77th minute when defender Milan Rodic was given his second yellow card of the game for tripping Pierre Kalulu.
But the visitors failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and were made to pay for their missed chances when Pankov rose highest to head home from a Guelor Kanga’s corner.
Milan will head home feeling like they missed a chance tonight. But with two away goals in the bag, they will be confident of progressing to the next round when both teams meet again in a few days.
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