Cremonese 0-2 Milan: Pavlovic the Unlikely Hero as Leão Seals It Late

Two goals in four minutes at the death rescue Milan from frustration and keep the Rossoneri within striking distance ahead of the derby on Matchday 27.

US Cremonese pushed AC Milan to the brink, but the Rossoneri struck twice in the final moments to secure a dramatic 2-0 victory on Matchday 27 of Serie A.

For long stretches, this looked like it might be another frustrating afternoon for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Instead, Milan found the breakthrough at the death, closing back to within ten points of Inter just one week before the derby.

Cremonese Hold Firm, Leão Wasteful

The hosts started brightly, creating early pressure and testing Milan’s defensive structure. Cremonese showed no fear, playing direct and physical, with Thorsby imposing himself in midfield and Bonazzoli active up front.

Milan’s best chances before halftime fell to Rafael Leão. Sent through perfectly by Fofana just past the half-hour mark, the Portuguese forward found himself one-on-one with Emil Audero but dragged his shot wide in stunning fashion. Minutes later, Audero reacted brilliantly to deny Christian Pulisic in a desperate one-on-one stop.

Leão had another golden opportunity in the second half and again failed to convert, summing up a frustrating individual performance — at least for 90 minutes.

Pavlovic Breaks the Deadlock

Allegri shifted to a more aggressive setup, introducing Fullkrug and adjusting to a 4-3-3, but clear-cut chances dried up. Cremonese defended deep, compact, and disciplined, with Audero delivering a standout display between the posts.

Then, in the 90th minute, the breakthrough arrived from an unlikely source.

From a corner situation, Strahinja Pavlovic rose highest in the box and powered home, finally breaking Cremonese’s resistance. The defender turned striker when it mattered most.

Deep into stoppage time, Leão redeemed himself. Latching onto a final transition, he calmly finished to make it 2-0, putting the result beyond doubt and easing the tension on the Milan bench.

Relief Before the Derby

Pulisic struggled to make an impact, while Milan’s build-up often lacked fluidity. Yet resilience and patience ultimately paid off.

For Cremonese, this was a performance full of effort but devoid of reward. Audero kept them alive for 90 minutes, but the late collapse was cruel.

Milan survive the scare — and now turn their focus to the derby.

Match Report