AC Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory at Genoa, with substitute Johan Vásquez scoring the decisive goal in the 86th minute to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Genoa entered the match hoping to climb away from the bottom half of Serie A. The home side sat 14th with 41 points from 36 games. AC Milan, meanwhile, occupied fourth place with 67 points and remained in contention for European football next season.
The opening stages saw Milan control possession. The visitors dominated the ball with 62% control early on. Genoa looked to hit on the counter-attack but created few clear openings in the first half.
Milan's pressure paid off in the 50th minute. Christopher Nkunku converted from the penalty spot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The penalty provided Milan with a crucial advantage and shifted momentum in their favor.
Genoa responded with intensity after falling behind. The home side pushed forward looking for an equalizer. However, Milan's defense held firm through the middle stages of the second half.
Zachary Athekame leveled the match in the 81st minute with a clinical finish. The Genoa forward restored parity and set up a tense finale. The goal sparked belief among the home crowd and suggested an unlikely comeback might be possible.
Just five minutes later, Vásquez restored Milan's lead with a well-taken goal in the 86th minute. The defender's strike proved decisive in what became a frantic ending. Genoa could not find another equalizer despite late pressure.
Milan's xG of 1.89 exceeded Genoa's 1.35, reflecting their superior chance creation. The visitors managed six shots on target from eight total attempts. Genoa registered just two shots on target despite 11 total attempts.
Possession told a similar story. Milan completed 402 of 477 passes with 84% accuracy. Genoa managed 229 of 289 passes at 79% accuracy, showing their more direct approach.
Nkunku impressed with a rating of 7.3 despite being substituted in the 76th minute. Athekame earned a team-high 8.3 rating for his attacking contribution. Vásquez's late intervention secured a 7.6 rating and three vital points.
This result strengthens Milan's grip on fourth place. Genoa remains 14th but stays competitive in their battle for mid-table security. The victory keeps Milan's European ambitions on track with just one game remaining.
