painful win

Atalanta 0 Milan 1

The Bergamo has haunted Milan for a while now. The haunting continues. This was to be the 50th meeting between the 2 sides in Bergamo. The home side was doing well this season, and were placed in 8th position having 13 points on the table. The Rossoneri also were having 13 points on the table but were higher on goal difference.
This stadium was Atalanta's fortress, with the home side being unbeaten here over the season. But yes they had played the likes of Siena, Cagliari and Sampadoria here. The visitors had to bridge the gap on the leaders, so a win here was absolutely necessary.

First half, the home side were making a mess of Milan. The pace of attack seemed too much for the visitors, as the center back pairing of Maldini and Bonera found the attack relentless and unmanageable. Milan's inspiration came in the form of Abbiati who was clearly the difference between the two sides. Besides Kaka, its been the Italian goalkeeper who has been the most consistent for the Diavoli this season. Milan had chances, but were being scuffed by the under-par (inconsistent) Ronaldinho. Borrielo was a bright spark up front along with Kaka, who was playing very well. The Brazilian was creating enough number of chances, but the lacklustre visiting side wasn't able to penetrate. Maldini brought down Floccari inside the penalty area. Atalanta were asking and pleading for a penalty, but the referee was having none of it. On another day, the decision could have easily gone in favor of Atalanta. The scores were level at half time. It dint seem like a deserving scoreline. Milan were definitely flattered (and flattened)

Second half, the Bergamaschi started were they left off and prevented Milan to get into the game. Ferriera Pinto was one of the better players for the home side, and he was making Jankulovski look like an amateur. The Czech international was poor in defense and in attack. Zambrotta was no different. Ronaldinho was a complete disaster today, and was rightfully taken off for fellow Brazilian Pato. Cigarini, who was providing creative flair for the home side put in a poor tackle on Pato, and injured himself in return. He was stretched off, as a result of that injury. Towards the end of the game, Borrielo had a glorious chance on a volley, but he cut the ball back for Kaka who finished with a fine chip over Copolla. A very nice finish from Kaka and great unselfish play from Borrielo. The pass to Borrielo was provided by Pato, who set up the pass for the Italian international with a pin point header. Atalanta threw all their players forward after conceding the goal, and a dismal Milan defense was saved by Abbiati. Unexpectedly, Milan left the stadium with all 3 points.

Luck was well and truly on our side today. If not, we would have suffered a grave defeat. Milan have been riding high on luck factor, and this undeserving win seems to prove that point. Lets see how much luck we have against Siena, this Wednesday.

(http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=ckpc2tVlN64&eurl=http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1703992/)

Goalscorers
Atalanta - none
Milan - Kaka (80)'