AC Milan Suffer Blow In Champions League Race After Sassuolo Defeat

AC Milan suffered a damaging setback in their pursuit of a UEFA Champions League place after falling to a 2–0 defeat against US Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday.

The result leaves Milan third on 67 points, but their position is increasingly vulnerable with rivals closing in as the season approaches its conclusion. With only three matches remaining, the defeat also effectively ends their slim hopes of catching leaders Inter Milan, who hold a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

Sassuolo made a strong start to the contest, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Domenico Berardi, who curled a precise first-time effort into the corner.

Milan’s task became significantly more difficult midway through the first half when defender Fikayo Tomori was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Armand Laurienté during a counter-attack.

The hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage shortly after the interval, with Laurienté doubling the lead in the 47th minute, firing a low shot from a tight angle to secure all three points.

The defeat intensifies pressure on Milan as they battle to secure a top-four finish, with Juventus FC just three points behind and other contenders also in close pursuit.

With the race for Champions League qualification entering a decisive phase, Milan will need to respond quickly to avoid slipping further down the standings in the final weeks of the campaign.