The craziest game of the Serie A season! Keeper Giroud saves MIlan's last-gasp win at Genoa
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.10.23. | 00:38
The French forward was forced to stand between the sticks in the stoppage time after Mike Maignan was rightfully sent off. And he became a hero
It doesn't get much crazier than this! A dull, goalless Serie A game between Genoa and AC Milan was heading into stoppage time when, all of a sudden, it turned into complete chaos and spectacle.
Firstly, the newcomer from Chelsea, Christian Pulisic, reacted impeccably in the rival's area to put an end to the agony of his team seconds before the start of the added time.
Still, it was far from over, as Milan's keeper Mike Maignan faced a straight red card for a horrendous challenge on Genoa's forward Caleb Ekuban inches from the box.
With all the substitutions completed, Olivier Giroud went in goal to face an Albert Gudmundsson free-kick.
Olivier Giroud became AC Milan's keeper after Mike Maignan was sent off with a red card.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2023
He then made a MASSIVE save to see out AC Milan's 1-0 win and send them to the top of the Serie A table 😱 pic.twitter.com/L9smHBrqMy
It was deflected by Tomori onto the crossbar before the same player nodded it away for a corner. From that incident, Genoa goalkeeper Martinez came up but took down Musah for his second yellow card. Genoa, however, did still have a substitution left, so they were able to introduce a new goalkeeper.
Their last attempt saw a series of two Giroud's sensational reactions as a keeper to push his team to a much-needed victory.
"I never experienced a moment like this!" laughed Giroud to Sky Sport Italia after the match. "I am very proud for the team, we fought to the end, I made a good save! I was also lucky with the crossbar. We fought like lions and I am very happy for the fans."
Olivier Giroud became AC Milan's keeper after Mike Maignan was sent off with a red card.
— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) October 7, 2023
The French man made a massive save to see out AC Milan's 1-0 win and send them to the top of the Serie A table.
pic.twitter.com/JzR2gw8Bl9
Did making that save give him the same adrenaline rush as scoring a goal?
"Almost, I wasn't sure if it was going to be a header or not, so I thought just go and it's better to be there than staying on the line. I do not have the movements of a goalkeeper, but that is what I felt. It really hurt my arm, but that's fine.
"I did like to go in goal when I was a kid, so that's why I was chosen."
It’s all action packed in the Serie A game between Genoa and AC Milan, Milan exhausted their subs and then Mike Maignan picks up a red card for a karate-like kick 🥋 into the chest of Caleb Ekuban. Giroud is given the gloves ,Martinez the Genoa keeper gets a second yellow and is… pic.twitter.com/y0aHQwYy60
— Ismeal Ntefuni (@Ntefuni13) October 7, 2023
Milan lost 5-1 to Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, yet are now two points clear of their city rivals at the top of the table, having won every other game.
"We never give in, we got a slap in the face, but the most important thing is the next match. We raised our heads, raised the bar and are top of the table."
Giroud insisted on giving the post-match interviews wearing Maignan's jersey.
"I am keeping this jersey now, I'm framing it!"
SERIE A - MATCHDAY 8
Friday
Empoli - Udinese 0-0
Lecce - Sasuolo 1-1 (0-1)
/Krstovic 48 - Berardi 22 pen/
Saturday
Inter - Bologna 2-2 (2-1)
/Accerbi 11, Lautaro 13 - Orsolini 19 pen, Zirkzee 52/
Juventus - Torino 2-0 (0-0)
/Gatti 47, Milik 62/
Genoa - Milan 0-1 (0-0)
/Pulisic 87/
Sunday
12:30: (1.79) Monza (3.70) Salernitana (5.40)
15:00: (2.91) Lazio (3.35) Atalanta (2.70)
15:00: (2.45) Frosinone (3.40) Verona (3.20)
18:00: (4.50) Cagliari (3.45) Roma (1.91)
20:45: (1.66) Napoli (4.10) Fiorentina (5.90)
***odds are subject to change***
.jpg)
