Milan’s Europa League campaign is in serious jeopardy following a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Ferencvaros, with Lenny Joseph netting twice to punish a disjointed display from the Italian club.
The Rossoneri had come into the match with fresh confidence after their 3-1 triumph in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday, but their European difficulties persisted. Having already been beaten in two of their first three fixtures, another reversal leaves them confronting the possibility of an early elimination.
A challenging evening was compounded by several significant absences, while Ferencvaros preserved their flawless record in the competition and showed why they currently occupy top spot in the standings.
Milan battles defensive absences in the first half
Mike Maignan was unavailable due to suspension following his red card in the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, leaving third-choice goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to step in. The injury list was also lengthy, with Pietro Terracciano, Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alexis Saelemaekers all sidelined. Strahinja Pavlovic was given a rest after featuring in nearly every minute this season.
Ferencvaros, in contrast, came into the game having defeated Celtic, Viktoria Plzen, and Torreense in their opening three Europa League matches. Despite several players being unavailable or ineligible, the Hungarian side began with greater intent.
Kristoffer Zachariassen tested Torriani with an angled strike before Ardon Jashari nearly gifted the visitors an opening goal. His errant back pass sent Lenny Joseph clean through on goal, but the forward could not capitalize, producing a weak finish in a one-on-one situation.
Milan found it difficult to generate meaningful chances before the interval. Their first noteworthy opportunity came in the 39th minute, when Alphadjo Cisse lifted a half-volley over the crossbar after a Goncalo Ramos knockdown. Joseph then threatened once more after beating Sankhoun Diawara, forcing Torriani into another challenging save.
Half-time adjustments fail to halt Ferencvaros
Unhappy with his team’s display, Ruben Amorim made three changes at the interval, bringing on Christian Pulisic, Diego Moreira, and Mario Gila in an effort to shift the momentum.
Milan appeared more threatening after the restart, with Omari Hutchinson firing into the side netting from a tight angle before a Goncalo Ramos effort was deflected wide. However, their improved attacking output was not matched by greater composure at the back.
Ferencvaros eventually broke the deadlock after another defensive error. Torriani took a heavy touch, allowing Zachariassen to press him. Although there was a hint of a foul on the goalkeeper, the loose ball fell invitingly for Joseph, who converted into an empty net.
The goal highlighted Milan’s lack of communication, with no one warning Torriani about the incoming danger. The hosts tried to respond, and Hutchinson went close with an angled drive that narrowly missed the far post.
Diego Moreira also posed a threat from the left, delivering two dangerous cross-shots before sending a curling attempt over the crossbar. Nevertheless, Milan continued to expose themselves whenever they pushed players forward.
Lenny Joseph double punishes Milan on the break
The visitors capitalized on those defensive frailties with a second goal on another swift counter-attack. Zachariassen gathered the ball in his own half, surged forward, and drew Torriani away from his goal before squaring it for Joseph to complete a simple finish.
Milan brought on Francesco Camarda in search of a reply, and the youngster had a chance after Moreira rolled the ball across from the left. However, his effort went wide of the near post.
Zachariassen remained a persistent threat, forcing Torriani into an excellent one-handed save at the near post. The resulting corner also created a dangerous opportunity, with Gomez heading just inches over the crossbar.
The red card gives Milan late hope
Ferencvaros were reduced to 10 men when Bamidele Yusuf was dismissed following an off-the-ball incident involving Mario Gila. The midfielder had raised his elbow into the defender’s face, with VAR detecting the infringement.
Milan attempted to make the most of their numerical advantage, but Ferencvaros goalkeeper Denes Dibusz denied Hutchinson with a low save, sticking out a boot to keep the effort out.
Despite playing with 10 men, the visitors nearly added a third in stoppage time. Another Milan defensive mistake presented Madarasz with an opportunity, but his attempt only found the side netting.
The final whistle confirmed a damaging 2-0 defeat for Milan, whose European campaign continues to deteriorate. Ferencvaros, by contrast, maintained their unbeaten record and extended their impressive start to the competition.