Como 4-1 AC Milan Women: Comeback attempt shut down in big defeat

AC Milan Women failed to start the season on a bright note as a comeback attempt was shut down by Como, resulting in a big defeat instead.

After registering a win, a draw and a defeat in the group stage of the Serie A Women’s Cup, failing to qualify for the knockout stage, Milan Women were looking for some revenge in today’s league season opener against Como.

Suzanne Bakker, the head coach of the Rossonere, had to deal with some absences for this one. Giorgia Arrigoni, Abigail Brighton, Leda Gemmi, and Sara Stokic were all excluded from the squad due to injuries. Not ideal, but she was still able to field a good starting eleven.

Second half hopes squashed

Como started the game best and took the lead early on through Emilie Haavi, giving Milan an uphill battle after just 14 minutes. Instead of a reaction from the Rossonere, however, the home side continued to play well and Haavi scored her second goal of the night in the 25th minute.

Bakker’s side at least managed to stop the early bleeding, heading into half-time at two goals down, and that was important given what happened in the second. Indeed, Milan grew into the game and found a way back through Christy Grimshaw, the veteran.

The Rossonere did well after that to pile on the pressure but just couldn’t find the back of the net, despite many attempts towards (and on) goal. As they were committing players forward, Como saw their opportunity to close the game and took it.

In the 90th minute, Martyna Wiankowska sealed the deal with the 3-1 goal and Tessa Wullaert then made it an even better scoreline for Como: 4-1 in the 93rd minute. A tough defeat for Milan Women, in other words, as they were pushing for an equaliser late on.

The scoreline is perhaps a little unfair, especially since the Rossonere had a higher xG and did really well to get back into the game in the second half. Nevertheless, the first game of the season ends in defeat.