Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Player Ratings as Xabi Alonso’s men win narrowly

Bayer Leverkusen brought their best to the Champions League and AC Milan were the unfortunate ones who suffered. The German side showed why they had the season they did last year and completely dominated the Italian giants. It was quite a tough game but ultimately Xabi Alonso‘s men got the victory.

The score was only 1-0 thanks to a second-half Victor Boniface goal. They could have had several more if not for the heroics of Mike Maignan and some missed chances from the likes of Amine Adli. For Milan, it just wasn’t their day.

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs AC Milan

Goalkeeper

L. Hradecky — 6/10. The experienced custodian had a few saves to make in the game. Was generally reliable in possession.

Defenders

J. Frimpong — 7/10. The wingback wasn’t at his usual electric self but still created the only goal. Caused Milan some problems on the right.

E. Tapsoba — 5/10. Looked pretty shaky under pressure. Lost several duels, especially in the first half.

J. Tah — 6/10. The Leverkusen captain looked to go long in possession mostly. Generally dependable in duels.

P. Hincapie – 6/10. Was responsible for a lot in buildup. Defensively, he did a decent job on the left. Had a good chance from a corner.

A. Grimaldo – 7/10. Tried his luck from long range once. Was the biggest creative source for the German champions and was very good with the ball.

Midfielders

G. Xhaka — 6/10. Looked good in possession but not one of his best outings. A little shaky without the ball.

A. Garcia — 7/10. The Spanish midfielder showed his class in this game. Was exquisite and Leverkusen’s best player on the night.

A. Adli – 7/10. A good game from the attacking midfielder. Should have scored in the first half. Combined well with his teammates.

F. Wirtz — 7/10. As usual, the young German was a huge creative force for the Leverkusen. Created the most amount of chances in the game.

Forwards

V. Boniface — 8/10. An unusually silent outing but it was accompanied by a differentiating goal. Had a goal ruled out in the first half and made amends in the second half.

Substitutions

R. Andrich – 6/10. Brought on to tighten things in midfield. Did his duty well enough.

M. Terrier – N.A.

E. Palacios – N.A.

J. Belocian – N.A.

N. Tella – N.A.

Manager

X. Alonso – 7/10. Not his side’s best outing but got the three points in a tough game. This is the sign of champion sides.

Also Read: Inter Milan vs Crvena Zvezda Player Ratings as the Italians thrash the visitors

AC Milan Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen

Goalkeeper

M. Maignan – 8/10. Was forced into action many times by Leverkusen. Equal to the task each time. Unfortunately couldn’t parry Frimpong’s shot away from Boniface for the goal.

Defenders

E. Royal – 4/10. Looked completely lost. Faced by the joint force of Wirtz and Grimaldo and wasn’t on their level.

M. Gabbia – 6/10. Kept Boniface well in check. Solid marking but didn’t get into duels too much.

F. Tomori – 7/10. Had a lot of the ball and shone in that regard. Struggled occasionally defensively however.

T. Hernandez – 6/10. The Milan captain was accurate with his passing largely but failed to do much else. One of his weaker performances.

Midfielders

Y. Fofana – 6/10. Average performance in midfield. The new signing did his job but couldn’t inspire his team enough.

R. Loftus-Cheek – 7/10. Tried forcing things in possession even though they didn’t always come off. Decent off the ball too.

C. Pulisic – 7/10. Won quite a few duels and was also fouled repeatedly. Didn’t quite manage to bring his wonderful Serie A form here.

T. Reijnders – 7/10. The Dutchman was largely decent but his impact on the final third was occasionally lacking. Perhaps better utilised slightly deeper.

R. Leao – 5/10. One of those nights for Leao which is why he’s often criticised. Struggled in getting past a tight Leverkusen set up against him.

Forwards

T. Abraham – 5/10. Not one of his best performances tonight. Failed to get much going and struggled to get past his markers.

Substitutions

A. Morata – 6/10. Brought on for the ineffective Abraham. The Spanish captain did a little better and maybe should have scored.

S. Chukwueze – 5/10. Came on but didn’t impact the game in the way his manager wanted.

Manager

P. Fonseca – 5/10. Milan’s mixed start to the season continues. The pressure will continue to build on him sooner rather than later.

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