Leão’s strike lifts AC Milan to top of Serie A

January 03, 2026 / 4:08 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: AC Milan claimed a 1-0 victory away to Cagliari on Matchday 18 of Serie A, briefly moving to the top of the standings. Portuguese forward Rafael Leão scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute to secure the win.

Standings impact

The victory raised Milan’s tally to 38 points, placing them two points clear of city rivals Inter, who host Bologna on Sunday. Cagliari remained on 18 points, sitting 14th in the table.

Positive start to the New Year

The win marked Milan’s second consecutive victory and their first of the new year, ending a brief winless run that included a defeat to Napoli on December 18.

Team news and match highlights

Coach Massimiliano Allegri handed German midfielder Niclas Füllkrug his first appearance since joining on loan from West Ham United, introducing him in the second half. Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Jiménez were sidelined through injury.

After a subdued first half, Milan broke the deadlock when Adrien Rabiot’s cross was misjudged by defender Gabriele Saba. Leão controlled the ball before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the far corner.

Upcoming fixtures

Serie A action continues on Saturday with Como hosting Udinese, Sassuolo facing Parma, and Genoa taking on Pisa. Juventus welcome Lecce, while Atalanta host Roma.