Maignan loses his magic – Milan goalkeeper guilty of another ‘huge mistake’

AC Milan were beaten by Feyenoord in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie by a goal after three minutes, one Mike Maignan will not want to rewatch.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, shifting attention to the attacking stars was not enough, especially when conceding the first real shot on goal from the opponent. Igor Paixao aimed at the post covered by Maignan and even if the ball took a difficult bounce, it was unfathomable that it would go in.

It was a ‘huge mistake’ that brought the team back to reality, after the illusion that with the galactic attack they could overcome any and all problems. There was no ‘magic’ about Maignan last night, who instead committed an error that would go on to cost his team the game.

It continues a worrying theme, though: there was a lack of concentration in Como for Diao’s goal, for Zortea’s equaliser in Cagliari’s draw at San Siro and also for Weah’s in the defeat to Juventus. These are the examples in the recent period, and there are others this season.

The captain’s armband on the Frenchman’s arm has not made him stronger. It is not a question of pressure: Maignan is an experienced goalkeeper, he won in France with Lille and was champion of Italy with Milan. He is a starter for his national team at major tournaments, too.