AC Milan 3-0 Lecce: Three goals in quick succession take Rossoneri temporarily top

AC Milan temporarily climbed to the top of the Serie A standings after comfortably defeating Lecce 3-0 at San Siro, with all three goals coming in a remarkable five-minute span during the first half.

Milan had a cautious and challenging start to the match, with Luca Gotti's team playing defensively and posing a threat on the counterattack. However, everything changed when Alvaro Morata scored with a header from a free kick, which set off a series of events leading to their downfall.

Theo Hernandez launched a powerful shot from a short distance at the near post after receiving a pass from Rafael Leao. Christian Pulisic quickly reacted to the rebound in the penalty area, scoring a third goal that secured the lead by half-time.

Opportunities to inflict more harm were overlooked when Davide Bartesaghi received a tough red card for what was seen as a reckless tackle. However, the team performed admirably in front of more than 70,000 supporters at home. This victory places the Rossoneri at the top of the standings as they await the outcomes of the other matches.

Paulo Fonseca opted to stick with the same starting eleven that faced Inter from the beginning. This decision indicated that Alvaro Morata, who had been uncertain about his fitness, successfully completed a late fitness test and earned a spot in the lineup, despite it initially looking like he would be on the bench.

The match started off on a vibrant note, with both teams eager to keep the ball moving and transition swiftly through the three zones of the pitch. Patrick Dorgu, who is rumored to have the support of Geoffrey Moncada and the Milan management, took the first attempt on goal, sending a shot soaring over the target from 20 yards with his left foot.

The visiting team began the match by exploiting opportunities on Milan’s left flank, as the opening moments were rather messy. Mike Maignan had to stay sharp to divert a deflected low shot from Krstovic, making sure it went wide.

Milan started to take control of the ball, but opportunities didn't come easily right away. In the first 15 minutes, their best chance was a header from Tammy Abraham, which was cleared off the goal line following a corner, but the play was halted for a foul on Falcone.

Shortly after that opportunity, there was a tense moment when Fikayo Tomori went down to the ground and needed medical attention after landing awkwardly during a tackle. Fortunately, he was able to carry on playing.

The Rossoneri demonstrated their impressive skills during a quick transition when a clearance from a Lecce offensive play found Morata, who passed the ball to Rafael Leao. Leao charged down the center and set up Abraham, but the English forward's cross was easily controlled by Falcone, preventing an easy goal at the far post.

Following a free-kick that decided the derby on Sunday evening, the first goal of the match came from another set piece in the 38th minute. Leao set it up with a run that was stopped just outside the penalty area, and Theo delivered a tempting cross to the near post, where Morata nodded it in off the crossbar from just a few yards away.

Just two minutes later, the advantage increased, and once again, Theo played a crucial role, this time as the scorer instead of the setup man. Leao delivered a beautifully curved pass that slipped effortlessly past the defense, allowing the French full-back to strike the ball powerfully into the top of the net, bringing the score to 2-0.

Lecce's brief collapse was finalized when they let in a third goal, and it happened in a rather amusing way. Milan regained possession deep in their own half, and Abraham took a shot that hit the post. The ball remained in play, and after another attempt was saved, Pulisic was there to easily tap in the rebound from close range.

It might have been four goals right before halftime, and once again it was Theo making a run past the last defender that created problems. However, this time he sent his shot crashing into the side netting from a spot similar to where he scored his goal.

Morata was uncertain to play in the match because of bursitis, and just ten minutes into the second half, he had to come off the pitch, being replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Despite holding a strong lead, Milan still seemed like the team most likely to score next. Both Tijjani Reijnders and Leao had good opportunities to increase the score before the hour mark, but they both mishandled their shots, sending the ball high over the goal.

Just before the 60-minute mark, it really should have been 4-0. A player made a great run to the edge of the box and delivered a cut-back pass that was partially cleared. It fell to Loftus-Cheek, who surprisingly mis-hit his shot from the penalty spot, directing it right into Leao's path. Even with such a close chance, Leao couldn't manage to get it on target.

In the 63rd minute, Milan made two substitutions, taking off Fofana and Pulisic. This change likely aimed to prepare the team for their upcoming Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen next Tuesday. Yunus Musah and Samuel Chukwueze stepped in to replace them.

Milan almost extended their lead, but in a strange turn of events. Loftus-Cheek appeared to misjudge his attempt to send a cross to the far post, and instead, it barely skimmed off the crossbar.

Banda struck the post while Maignan was unable to respond to a low shot as Lecce made an effort to regain some dignity. However, the linesman raised the flag, indicating that there had been an offside during the play leading up to the shot.

With just 15 minutes remaining, Milan made two more substitutions: Theo Hernandez and Abraham left the field, making way for Davide Bartesaghi and Luka Jovic.

Bartesaghi endured a rough start when he was shown a red card merely four minutes into the match. He made a tackle on Banda and appeared to accidentally connect with him during the follow-through. While the challenge wasn't reckless and his studs weren't stuck in the ground, VAR chose not to step in and prompt the referee to review the decision.

Leao had one last moment of brilliance, showcasing his incredible talent as he slipped past two defenders. He then dribbled the ball for 50 yards before firing off a shot that Falcone expertly stopped.