Cagliari pulled off a stunning upset at the San Siro, defeating AC Milan 2-1 in a thrilling Serie A encounter. The visitors' clinical finishing proved decisive despite Milan's dominance in possession and chances created.
AC Milan entered the match sitting fifth in the table with 70 points from 38 games. The Rossoneri came into this final-day fixture on poor form, having won just one of their last five matches. Cagliari, meanwhile, occupied 14th place with 43 points and arrived at the San Siro seeking to salvage their season with a positive result.
Milan struck first in remarkable fashion. Alexis Saelemaekers fired the hosts ahead in just the second minute, catching Cagliari's defense off guard early on. The goal gave the Rossoneri a dream start and suggested a dominant performance was coming.
However, Cagliari responded swiftly and unexpectedly. Gennaro Borrelli leveled the score in the 20th minute, showing the visitors would not be intimidated at the San Siro. The goal shifted momentum and energized the away side considerably.
Milan dominated possession through the first half, controlling 48 percent of the ball. The hosts created chances but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Cagliari defended compactly and looked dangerous on the counter-attack as the first half progressed.
The second half began with Milan pressing for a second goal. The Rossoneri maintained their attacking intent but found Cagliari's defense resolute and well-organized throughout the period.
Cagliari struck a devastating blow in the 57th minute. Jávier Rodríguez fired the visitors ahead with a clinical finish, putting the away side in control of the match. Milan's hopes of securing three points suddenly looked in serious jeopardy.
Milan pressed hard in search of an equalizer but could not break through. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan made nine crucial saves for the hosts, keeping Milan in the contest with several outstanding stops. Despite 16 total shots, Milan managed only three on target.
Cagliari's defense held firm under sustained pressure. The visitors recorded an impressive 10 shots on target from 25 total attempts. Their expected goals figure of 2.78 reflected their clinical approach compared to Milan's 1.74.
The statistics told the story of a tight contest decided by efficiency. Milan completed 395 of 455 passes with 87 percent accuracy. Cagliari matched that accuracy with 430 completed passes from 487 attempts, showing both sides controlled the ball well.
This result ends Milan's hopes of climbing higher in the final standings. The defeat leaves them fifth with 70 points, while Cagliari's victory lifts them to 46 points and provides hope for next season despite their mid-table finish.
