AC Milan’s victory over Como not solely marked an important comeback but additionally solidified Rafael Leao’s place within the membership’s historical past. The Portuguese ahead, along with his successful objective and constant efficiency, turned simply the fourth participant within the membership’s storied historical past to register at the very least 60 targets and 50 assists, becoming a member of an elite group alongside a number of legends of soccer, together with Kaka.
The Rossoneri’s Serie A conflict towards newly promoted Como proved to be a check of resilience. The house facet surprised the Rossoneri early within the second half, with their €12 million signing Assane Diao scoring on his full debut. His low-driven strike previous Mike Maignan capped a swift counterattack and gave Como a deserved lead.
Nevertheless, Milan showcased their trademark combating spirit underneath new supervisor Sergio Conceicao. Simply as they’d towards Juventus and Inter within the Italian Tremendous Cup, the Purple and Blacks mounted a comeback. Theo Hernandez equalized within the 71st minute with a looping volley that additionally broke a membership file, setting the stage for Rafael Leao’s brilliance.
With the rating stage, Tammy Abraham produced a second of magic, threading a wonderfully weighted by way of ball to Leao. The Portuguese ahead’s composure shone as he lifted the ball over Como’s goalkeeper, Jean Butez, securing the lead for Milan with quarter-hour to play.
This marked Leao’s first objective underneath Conceicao and demonstrated why he stays a pivotal determine in Milan’s lineup. Talking after the sport, the ahead stated: “I at all times attempt to rating targets, help, and assist my crew. This victory has given everybody good confidence, particularly for the vital match towards Juventus.”
Leao’s journey this season: From substitute underneath Fonseca to history-maker
The Portuguese’s current kind towards newly promoted groups has been outstanding. Over his final six matches towards such opponents, he has been instantly concerned in six targets, tallying two targets and 4 assists.
Since shifting to Italy in 2019, Leao’s journey has been one among progress and resilience. Initially considered as an alternative, he emerged because the MVP of Milan’s title-winning facet within the 2021-22 season. But, this season offered recent challenges, together with time spent on the bench underneath former supervisor Paulo Fonseca.
Regardless of these obstacles, the 25-year-old has confirmed his price repeatedly. In opposition to Como, he not solely contributed offensively but additionally labored tirelessly in protection, serving to his facet safe all three factors and new coach Conceicao earn his first league win.
Becoming a member of elite membership
Leao’s objective towards Como etched his title in AC Milan’s historical past books. With 60 targets and 50 assists, he turned solely the fourth participant to realize this milestone for the Rossoneri, the That Milan Podcast shared on X, by way of Transfermarkt. He follows within the footsteps of Gianni Rivera, Clarence Seedorf, and Kaka, legends who left an indelible mark on the membership.
A notable near-miss for this listing is Marco van Basten, who recorded a powerful 125 targets and 49 assists in fewer matches than another participant on the listing.
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