Match report

HNK Rijeka Stuns AC Milan with 2-0 Victory in Europa League

HNK Rijeka
HNK Rijeka
2–0
FT
AC Milan
AC Milan
Dec 7, 2017

HNK Rijeka stunned AC Milan with a 2-0 victory in their UEFA Europa League clash, showcasing impressive defensive organization and precision in attack. Goals from J. Puljić and M. Gavranović in the first half proved decisive, as AC Milan struggled to find an equalizer despite dominating possession.

Key Facts

  • • J. Puljić scored the opening goal for HNK Rijeka in the 7th minute
  • • M. Gavranović added a second goal in the 47th minute, assisted by Z. Kvržić
  • • Andre Silva, L. Antonelli, and M. Locatelli received yellow cards for AC Milan
  • • R. Forte and M. Crnic came on as substitutes for AC Milan and HNK Rijeka, respectively

Lineups

HNK Rijeka

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 12 S. Sluga (G)
  • 29 M. Vešović (D)
  • 13 D. Župarić (D)
  • 18 J. Elez (D)
  • 8 L. Zhuta (D)
  • 26 M. Maleš (M)
  • 7 Z. Kvržić (M)
  • 24 D. Pavičić (M)
  • 17 M. Gavranović (F)
  • 21 J. Puljić (F)
  • 14 B. Acosty (M)

Substitutes

  • 4 R. Punčec
  • 11 M. Črnic
  • 35 C. Mavrias
  • 87 M. Santek
  • 99 J. Čeliković
  • 44 I. Lepinjica
  • 32 A. Prskalo

AC Milan

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 30 M. Storari (G)
  • 29 G. Paletta (D)
  • 17 C. Zapata (D)
  • 31 L. Antonelli (D)
  • 13 A. Romagnoli (D)
  • 2 D. Calabria (D)
  • 21 L. Biglia (M)
  • 73 M. Locatelli (M)
  • 45 N. Zanellato (M)
  • 9 André Silva (F)
  • 63 P. Cutrone (F)

Substitutes

  • 20 I. Abate
  • 27 R. Forte
  • 46 M. Gabbia
  • 18 R. Montolivo
  • 19 L. Bonucci
  • 22 M. Musacchio
  • 90 A. Donnarumma

Timeline

  1. HNK Rijeka
    7' HNK Rijeka Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Puljić
  2. AC Milan
    32' AC Milan Card · Yellow Card
    Andre Silva
  3. HNK Rijeka
    43' HNK Rijeka Card · Yellow Card
    M. Maleš
  4. HNK Rijeka
    47' HNK Rijeka Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Gavranović · Assist: Z. Kvržić
  5. AC Milan
    66' AC Milan Card · Yellow Card
    L. Antonelli
  6. AC Milan
    74' AC Milan subst · Substitution 1
    Off: N. Zanellato · On: I. Abate
  7. HNK Rijeka
    76' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 1
    Off: B. Acosty · On: R. Punčec
  8. AC Milan
    78' AC Milan Card · Yellow Card
    M. Locatelli
  9. AC Milan
    80' AC Milan subst · Substitution 2
    Off: L. Antonelli · On: R. Forte
  10. HNK Rijeka
    81' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 2
    Off: M. Gavranović · On: M. Črnic
  11. HNK Rijeka
    86' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Z. Kvržić · On: C. Mavrias

Match Stats

Stat HNK Rijeka AC Milan
Fouls 11 13
Pass Accuracy 66% 81%
Offsides 3 3
Red Cards 0 0
Total Shots 7 7
Corners 1 6
Total Passes 319 634
Yellow Cards 1 3
Blocked Shots 2 3
Shots on Target 2 0
Shots off Target 3 4
Possession 33% 67%
Accurate Passes 209 516
Shots Inside Box 4 4
Saves — —
Shots Outside Box 3 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ J. Puljić's early goal in the 7th minute set the tone for HNK Rijeka's dominant start
  • ▸ M. Gavranović's second goal in the 47th minute effectively ended AC Milan's hopes of a comeback, as they struggled to find an equalizer despite controlling the ball