Higher xG and first Juve defeat: All the key stats from Juventus vs. AC Milan

Sergio Conceicao and his AC Milan managed to secure a ticket for the Supercoppa Italiana final, beating Juventus by two goals to one last night. It was very much a game of two halves, with some positive stats to highlight for the Rossoneri. 

In the first half, Milan struggled to impose themselves and Juve’s opener was far from surprising. The Bianconeri could have done more with their advantage, but thankfully it remained 0-0 as the players headed back into the locker rooms. In the second half, everything changed.

Two quick goals from the Rossoneri meant the game had shifted in Conceicao’s favour, and his side were able to see out the lead until the end. Matteo Gabbia made a heroic block in the final seconds, but other than that Thiago Motta’s side failed to respond.

A game of two halves

Indeed, just like our eyes told us yesterday, it was a game of two halves as Milan had many problems in the first 45 minutes. The story was completely different in the second half with better intensity and willingness, resulting in some dangerous chances being created.

In fact, Milan even had a higher xG than Juventus and this should be shown to Motta, who insisted Milan did very little to win the game. Not to suggest that the Rossoneri didn’t get lucky with the goals, but perhaps they deserved that luck.

Juve’s first domestic defeat

Milan handed Juventus their first domestic defeat last night, following 19 games that ended in wins or draws for the Bianconeri. In short, it’s a win that certainly sent a signal ahead of what hopefully will be a season turnaround for the Rossoneri.

It was also only the second defeat of the season in all competitions for Motta’s side, with the first defeat coming against Stuttgart in the Champions League back in October. The first domestic one was bound to come, especially considering how Juve play, but doing it from 0-1 behind was impressive.

Pulisic timid but decisive

Most will agree that Christian Pulisic didn’t have his best game in the Milan shirt, frankly struggling for most of it, but still he managed to be decisive (again). It’s the sign of a world-class player who refuses to give up at the first hurdle.

Taking a look at his stats from the game, it’s clear that he was decisive by winning the penalty and then converting it. He also had two shots on target, including one that was well-saved by the goalkeeper, and one key pass.

Stadium sold out

As opposed to the semi-final between Atalanta and Inter, yesterday’s game was sold out. The tickets sold out several days in advance, while the Nerazzurri’s game only filled about 67% of the 25k capacity of Al-Awwal Park.

It’s clear that Milan have great support in the Middle East, and hopefully this will help them in the final against Inter as well. It won’t be an easy game for the Rossoneri, especially given that Rafael Leao won’t start, and thus all the support they can get is needed.