Milan’s Europa League campaign is now in serious jeopardy following a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Ferencvaros, with Lenny Joseph netting twice to punish a disjointed display from the Italian club.
The Rossoneri had come into the match with fresh confidence after their 3-1 win in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday, but their European problems persisted. Having already lost two of their first three games, this latest setback leaves them staring at a possible early elimination.
A tough evening was compounded by several key absences, while Ferencvaros kept their perfect record in the competition and showed why they currently lead the standings.
Milan hampered by defensive absences in the first half
Mike Maignan was unavailable due to suspension after receiving a red card in the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, which meant third-choice goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani stepped in. The injury list was lengthy as well, with Pietro Terracciano, Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alexis Saelemaekers all missing. Strahinja Pavlovic was given a rest after featuring in nearly every minute this season.
Ferencvaros, in contrast, came into the fixture having defeated Celtic, Viktoria Plzen, and Torreense in their first three Europa League matches. Despite several players being unavailable or ineligible, the Hungarian side began with more intent.
Kristoffer Zachariassen tested Torriani with an angled shot before Ardon Jashari nearly gifted the visitors an opening goal. His errant back pass sent Lenny Joseph clean through on goal, but the striker could not capitalize, producing a weak finish in a one-on-one situation.
Milan found it difficult to create meaningful chances before the interval. Their first notable opportunity came in the 39th minute, when Alphadjo Cisse lifted a half-volley over the crossbar after a Goncalo Ramos knockdown. Joseph threatened again after beating Sankhoun Diawara, forcing Torriani into another difficult save.
Half-time substitutions fail to halt Ferencvaros
Unhappy with his team’s performance, Ruben Amorim made three changes at the break, bringing on Christian Pulisic, Diego Moreira, and Mario Gila in an effort to shift the momentum.
Milan looked more threatening after the restart, with Omari Hutchinson firing into the side netting from a tight angle before a Goncalo Ramos effort was deflected wide. However, their improved attacking play was not matched by greater composure at the back.
Ferencvaros eventually broke the deadlock after another defensive error. Torriani took a heavy touch, allowing Zachariassen to close him down. Although there was a hint of a foul on the goalkeeper, the loose ball fell perfectly for Joseph, who slotted into an empty net.
The goal highlighted Milan’s lack of communication, as nobody warned Torriani of the incoming danger. The hosts tried to respond, and Hutchinson came close with an angled drive that narrowly missed the far post.
Diego Moreira also posed a threat from the left, delivering two dangerous cross-shots before sending a curling effort over the crossbar. Nevertheless, Milan continued to leave themselves exposed whenever they pushed players forward.
Lenny Joseph double punishes Milan on the break
The visitors capitalized on those defensive frailties with a second goal on another swift counter-attack. Zachariassen picked up the ball in his own half, surged forward, and drew Torriani away from his goal before squaring it for Joseph to complete an easy finish.
Milan brought on Francesco Camarda in search of a response, and the youngster had a chance after Moreira rolled the ball across from the left. However, his attempt went wide of the near post.
Zachariassen remained a constant menace, forcing Torriani into an excellent one-handed save at the near post. The resulting corner also created a dangerous opportunity, with Gomez heading inches over the crossbar.
Red card gives Milan late hope
Ferencvaros were reduced to 10 men when Bamidele Yusuf was sent off following an off-the-ball incident involving Mario Gila. The midfielder had raised his elbow into the defender’s face, with VAR spotting the infringement.
Milan attempted to make the most of their numerical advantage, but Ferencvaros goalkeeper Denes Dibusz denied Hutchinson with a low save, sticking out a boot to keep the effort out.
Despite playing with 10 men, the visitors almost added a third in stoppage time. Another Milan defensive mistake presented Madarasz with an opportunity, but his attempt only found the side netting.
The final whistle confirmed a damaging 2-0 defeat for Milan, whose European campaign continues to fall apart. Ferencvaros, by contrast, maintained their unbeaten record and extended their impressive start to the competition.