Atletico Madrid faced Milan at the Wanda Metropolitano yesterday evening in a crucial Champions League clash, but fell to a 1-0 defeat. The result means that they go into the final matchday of Group B bottom of the table, level on points with Milan, one behind Porto and a remarkable eleven behind Liverpool.
Los Rojiblancos have misfired so far this season. They’re fourth in La Liga, the title they won last term, two points behind Sevilla, three behind Real Sociedad and four behind Real Madrid. Milan are second in Serie A, level on points with first-placed Napoli.
Despite home advantage, Atletico failed to break down their visitors from the north or Italy and it was Milan who were the better side for much of the game. It was also them who scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute, with Brazilian forward Junior Messias powering home a header after a cross from the left.
Messias has a remarkable backstory. Three years ago he was playing in the Italian fourth division, and he emigrated from Brazil to Italy to work as a deliverer of refrigerators and household appliances whilst playing at the amateur level. His decisive goal against Atletico was his first in the Champions League on his debut in the competition.
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