First-half goals from Robinho and the Dutch anchorman ensured a Rossoneri victory, who will now entertain either Chelsea or Inter on August 4
AC Milan kicked off the Guinness International Champions Cup tournament with a narrow win over Valencia in a pulsating clash at the Estadio Mestalla.Robinho made amends to put the Rossoneri ahead following a first-half penalty miss before Nigel de Jong placed an exquisite curling shot beyond Vicente Guaita to double Milan's lead.
Valencia pulled a goal back early in the second half as Dani Parejo netted from close range. However, despite their persistence, los Che could not find an equaliser.
And perhaps they would have had Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic included captain Roberto Soldado in his line-up but the striker's absence was somewhat explained by the strong interest shown in him from Spurs.
Instead, Djukic opted for 19-year-old Paco Alcacer up front, while Milan included new signing Andrea Poli and star duo Kevin-Prince Boateng and Robinho in their starting line-up.
Robinho – who missed a penalty in a midweek friendly against Juventus – again failed to convert from the spot, as Guaita pulled off a one-handed save, with Valencia's defenders reacting quickly to clear the danger emanating from the rebound.
But the 29-year-old, who had been linked with Santos this summer, made amends less than a minute later drilling a low shot from the edge of the penalty area across Guaita and into the left corner after a fine assist by Poli.
It was a terrific finish but drama was to follow for Robinho as he pulled up with a suspected groin problem shortly after, and a melee ensued as Valencia refused to kick the ball out and nearly scored through Alcacer.
Antonio Nocerino and Boateng were shown yellow cards for their involvement in the fracas.
The frenetic nature of the match continued as an Adil Rami header was disallowed for offside, while Feghouli wasted a terrific chance moments later for the Spanish side.
Boateng also had a goal disallowed following a foul at a Milan corner before De Jong scored a stunning second for the Serie A side.
The Ghanaian fed the ball to the former Manchester City midfielder and from 25 yards he curled a superb effort into the top-right corner, giving Guaita no chance.
De Jong hit a free-kick just wide on the verge of half-time, with the break allowing both sides and the fans to catch their breath.
Valencia did reduce the deficit to one shortly into the second half following a flurry of half-time substitutions from both sides.
An excellent Jonas chip found Alcacer in the penalty area, and the youngster had the presence of mind to square for Parejo, who simply side-footed past Gabriel. It was a deserved goal and Alcacer went close himself just after, with Banega following up with a decent free-kick that fizzed just wide.
Valencia continued to press, Feghouli, Alcacer and Michel all firing attempts on goal but not finding the net.
The hosts were desperately unlucky when Federico Cartabia thrashed a 30-yard effort against the underside of the bar, firing one over shortly after.
Oriol Romeu then clipped the crossbar with a cross and Cristian Zaccardo cleared Alcacer's effort off the line, but it was not to be as Milan grimly held on for victory.
Milan will now play the winners of Chelsea or Inter in New York on August 4.
No comments:
Post a Comment