Milan boost Champions League hopes with late win

Two goals in the closing minutes secured all three points in what had been a largely uninspiring contest in Cremona.

Late goals seal victory

Strahinja Pavlovic broke the deadlock in the 90th minute, scoring with his shoulder to put Milan ahead. Moments later, Rafael Leao added a simple finish in stoppage time to wrap up the win — a scoreline that flattered the visitors after a drab display.

Title hopes fading, focus on Champions League

Despite the win, Milan have little realistic chance of winning the Serie A title. The seven-time European champions sit 10 points behind leaders Inter Milan with 11 matches remaining.

Next weekend’s Milan derby appears set to be more about local pride than the title race, with Inter pulling clear at the top.

However, Milan’s primary objective this season has been securing Champions League qualification, and Massimiliano Allegri’s side remain firmly on course.

“We have a huge goal to reach with teams behind us who continue collecting points,” Allegri told DAZN. “All we can do is take it one step at a time.”

Rivals still in the race

Fifth-placed Como 1907 trail Milan by nine points, while AS Roma — seven points back in fourth — face Juventus FC in Sunday’s headline fixture.

Atalanta BC slipped further behind the Champions League spots after suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to 10-man US Sassuolo — their first league loss since the turn of the year.

Atalanta remain the only Italian side left in Europe’s top club competition after edging Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate in midweek.

Cremonese struggling near the bottom

Cremonese, led by Jamie Vardy, are sliding toward relegation to Serie B after a 13th consecutive match without a win. The promoted side currently sit just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.