Mexes' stunner helps send Milan through
GettyImagesPhilippe Mexes scored arguably one of the greatest ever Champions League goals with a magnificent overhead kickHaving been put through the misery of a drab first half, Milan eventually overcame Anderlecht to secure their place in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. The victory sees the Rossoneri qualify from the group stages for a 10th consecutive time, with the draw for the next round taking place on December 20th. Aside from another brilliant display from Stephan El Shaarawy, a stunning over-head kick from Philippe Mexes will undoubtedly steal the headlines. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, take a back seat.
"I gave it a go, it went well, but I will admit it was a bit lucky. Ibra is a phenomenon, I just gave it a go," Mexes said. It is well worth watching Monsieur Mexes' goal one more time…click here to see the Frenchman's goal.
Despite Massimiliano Allegri's pre-match claims that 'this will be Pato's game', the Brazilian started on the bench as the Milan coach opted for an attacking trident consisting of El Shaarawy, Bojan and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Having failed to inspire in the first period, Milan set about their task in the second half with a much improved attitude and Pato did eventually make his mark on the game with the third goal. El Shaarawy slotted home his 12th goal of the season in all competitions to open the scoring, but admitted that it had been a real struggle.
"It was like the Zenit game, when we managed to suffer and then bring home the result. I'm happy to have scored, but above all to have qualified. I dedicate the win to us and to our fans who came all this way to support us. We're very happy," the 20 year-old told reporters after the game.
With Malaga sealing top spot earlier in the evening with a 2-2 draw at Zenit, Milan go through in second place with a round to spare. The remaining group game at home to Zenit will be played in a fortnight and it should present Allegri with both an opportunity to rest key players, but also to test some of the younger members of the squad.
It was particularly refreshing to see Allegri and Adriano Galliani embrace at the full-time whistle, with both men emphasising the importance of the game ahead of kick off. Having endured consistent criticism and detrimental speculation, Allegri was delighted with the result, one which should boost confidence ahead of the visit of Juventus on Sunday.
"Champions League games are never easy. We knew Zenit's result, so winning tonight was very important to secure qualification. We have achieved our first target of the season and the lads fully deserved it," he said in his post-match interview.
The Rossoneri have secured two commendable results away from home in the Champions League and will look back to the win in St. Petersburg as a key moment in qualification. However, depending on the luck of the draw, they must also improve their home form with tougher tests certainly yet to come. With qualification secured and El Shaarawy continuing to mature into a star, there are plenty of reasons to be positive. However, Milan will now switch their attention back to domestic matters, with the defending champions lying in wait.
With qualification secured, are Milan capable of going any further? Ibrahimovic or Mexes...which goal was better?
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