AC Milan vs Cagliari

AC Milan's hopes of securing Champions League football collapsed at the San Siro as Cagliari mounted a remarkable comeback to claim a shock 2-1 victory on May 24, 2026. The Rossoneri's late-season struggles proved costly in the final match of the Serie A season, with the loss throwing their European qualification into serious doubt.

Milan started brightly and took the lead within two minutes through Alexis Saelemaekers. The Belgian winger swept home from close range after Santiago Gimenez's clever knockdown of a long Fikayo Tomori ball. It was a dream start for the home side, who needed victory to guarantee a top-four finish.

However, Cagliari, already assured of safety following their success last week, refused to be overawed by the occasion. The Sardinians fought back with impressive intensity, and their equaliser came in the 20th minute through Gennaro Borrelli. After Yerry Mina nodded down a corner, Borrelli was quickest to react from six yards out, levelling the contest.

Milan had chances to regain the lead before the interval. Christopher Nkunku wasted a golden opportunity when he prodded Saelemaekers' lay-off straight at goalkeeper Elia Caprile, while Gimenez also failed to finish after receiving a rolled ball from Adrien Rabiot. Gianluca Gaetano came close to scoring a spectacular goal for Cagliari on the stroke of half-time, flicking the ball over Youssouf Fofana only to fire over the bar.

The second half saw Milan's control slip further. Juan Rodriguez completed Cagliari's turnaround in the 57th minute, striking to put the visitors ahead. Despite their possession advantage and 16 shots to Cagliari's 25, Milan could not find a way back into the match. The Rossoneri made five substitutions, bringing on Rafael Leao, but the changes failed to spark the creativity needed to break down a resolute Cagliari defence.

Statistically, Milan dominated in possession (48% to 52%) and had an expected goals advantage (1.74 to 2.78), but Cagliari's clinical finishing proved decisive. The visitors had 10 shots on target compared to Milan's three, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal.

The result represents a devastating blow to Milan's Champions League ambitions, with the final-day collapse compounding a difficult period of form. Cagliari, by contrast, secured a memorable away victory that capped off their successful survival campaign. The match was played at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with referee Marco Guida officiating.