Higuain helps Milan win opening match in Europa League

The 1-0 scoreline did not reflect the true picture of the match in Luxembourg, where Milan were completely superior to the home side. The Italian team created many chances, especially in the first half, but were inaccurate in their final touches.

The victory only came to Milan thanks to a shot by Gonzalo Higuain that ricocheted off an opponent and deflected into the net. However, that one-goal difference was enough for Milan to take their first three points, and top Group F, as Olympiakos, at home, were held to a draw by Real Betis in the same match.

This was a match where coach Gennaro Gattuso made a series of changes, giving chances to reserve players who had never played or had not started since the beginning of the season. Despite the chaos, Milan still played better than Dudelange. If Higuain, Samu Castillejo, Bakayoko, Mattia Caldara had finished better, the away team could have opened the score in the first half.

In the 49th minute, Higuain failed again when he could not beat the home goalkeeper Joe Frising with a shot from a good position, after a cross from Diego Laxalt. However, the striker wearing the number 9 shirt and Milan finally celebrated his goal when he received the ball from Castillejo and shot it against the home defender Prempeh, leaving goalkeeper Frising no time to react.

Milan continued to have chances after that, but they could not convert them into second and third goals. Among them was Fabio Borini's volley that hit the post from very close to goal. Dudelange was almost completely quiet and only had one situation that made goalkeeper Pepe Reina work, with Stolz's kick.

"I'm happy with the team's attitude. Milan could have finished the match early, instead of having to work harder than I expected. But the whole team tried and achieved the desired result," coach Gattuso said after the match. He also expressed regret for Higuain, because "he had many opportunities, and should have scored a hat-trick."