Giroud: 'Good handling in the penalty area helps Milan defeat PSG'

Italy According to striker Olivier Giroud, compared to the 0-3 away loss in the first leg two weeks ago, Milan were more effective in the penalty area and tactical positions when defeating PSG 2-1.

At the Parc des Princes on October 25, PSG crushed Milan thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, and Lee Kang-in. The gap could have been even wider if the home team had taken advantage of their opportunities.

But when they met again at San Siro yesterday, Milan got revenge thanks to Giroud's top form. In the 12th minute, after the French striker's shot bounced off goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rafael Leao swooped in with a scissor-swing volley from six meters into PSG's net, tying the score at 1-1. Before that, Milan Skriniar headed in from close range to open the scoring for the French club.

Early in the second half, Giroud beat Skriniar in an aerial challenge to head the ball into the visitors' net, sealing the 2-1 win. At 37 years and 38 days, Giroud became the oldest French player to score in Champions League history, surpassing Laurent Blanc at 36 years and 338 days.

"The key was to be effective in both boxes and in the tactical positions," Giroud said of the difference between Milan's two performances against PSG. "We followed the instructions of the coaching staff and avoided certain mistakes. We all worked hard, helped each other, gave 110% and got our first win today. We are very happy."

Giroud celebrates scoring the winning goal for Milan in a 2-1 win over PSG at San Siro in the fourth round of Group F of the Champions League. Photo: AC Milan — Giroud celebrates scoring the winning goal for Milan in a 2-1 win over PSG at San Siro in the fourth round of Group F of the Champions League. Photo: *AC Milan*

It was the first time Milan had won after losing in the Champions League since the group stage win over Real Madrid on 21 October 2009. Giroud was proud and saw the win over PSG as a response to criticism when Milan went through a three-match winless streak in Serie A, losing 0-1 to Udinese, drawing 2-2 with Napoli, and losing 0-1 to Juventus.

"We wanted to react after the recent defeats and it was a perfect night," said the 2018 World Cup winner. "We created more chances, were more effective and that's what made the difference. It's great to still experience moments like this at 37 years old."

Leao and Giroud's goals were also Milan's first two goals in the Champions League this season. Previously, in the first three matches, the Milanese club drew 0-0 with Newcastle, 0-0 with Dortmund and lost 0-3 to PSG. Giroud is not worried about this statistic, saying that Milan still create many opportunities in each match and just need luck and more precision in finishing. "We know that the Champions League is very special for Milan and we want to give our all for the fans. They sang from the beginning to the end of the match. I am proud of the club," the 37-year-old striker added.

Meanwhile, Leao - who was named UEFA's best player - said: "The award goes to the whole team tonight. We showed the true strength of Milan at home. I am speechless, very proud of the whole team and really happy. This victory gives us confidence and we have to continue, aiming for the top of the table."

In the other match of Group F of the Champions League, Dortmund defeated Newcastle 2-0 thanks to goals from striker Niclas Fullkrug and midfielder Julian Brandt. With these results, Dortmund rose to the top with seven points, one, two and three points ahead of PSG, Milan and Newcastle respectively.

The chance to continue is still divided equally among all four teams, and in the next round on November 28, Milan continues to play at home against Dortmund, while PSG plays Newcastle.

Hong Duy

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