Juventus 2-1 Milan: 5 Things We Learned as the Bianconeri Extend the Streak

Donnarumma played spectacularly, denying Juventus a couple of clear cut chances. / Image via goal.com

It was a controversial ending to an otherwise thrilling match. Juventus was awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the match for a handball that may or may not have been intentional. Anyway, they fully deserved the win. Here are five things we learned from the encounter.

5. Stats Can be Misleading

Juventus utterly dominated the game, but they were unable to finish when they were given the chance. They outshot the Rossoneri 24 to 6, but the scoreline would have been even had it not been for the last minute penalty awarded to them. Milan have proven that they can compete with the best even with a mediocre team at best. Juve’s home streak of 30 wins looked in doubt for the final minutes, but they got the job done thanks to Dybala.

4. Bacca Continues Resurgence

Carlos Bacca has now scored four goals in his last three games, and while he hasn’t exactly played the best football, he has been able to put the ball in the back of the net. His goal came after a lovely pass from Pasalic and a good run from Deulofeu when the Colombian slotted the ball past Buffon. This will certainly serve as a confidence booster for the forward, but it’s not all good news. There have been reports that he was taken off for injury midway through the second half.

3. Questionable Refereeing

The man of the hour was none other than the referee. From questionable calls which led to nine yellow cards and one red to a questionable last minute penalty, the game was ultimately decided by Massa. The penalty came a full thirty seconds after the scheduled four minutes of injury time, and there will certainly be conspiracy surrounding the Bianconeri considering the fortune they have seen come their way time and time again from the official.

2. Give Gigio a Raise

Donnarumma was absolutely spectacular. If not for him, Milan probably would have conceded two or three more goals. It’s something we’ve come to expect from the young shot stopper, and it’s one of the reasons why transfer rumors are flying around concerning his future. Milan need to get the details on his contract worked out soon, or they could see their beloved goalie leave to Juventus. It’ll be hard with Mino Raiola, but if/when the Chinese purchase the club, they should be able to work out the kinks.

1. There’s no Stopping Juventus

While Juventus’ win will come with quite a bit of controversy, they deserved it. They dominated the Rossoneri for the entirety of the game, and took their chances near the end of the match. They now hold an eleven point lead over second place Roma, and there’s no way that they’ll catch up. Juventus can direct their full attention to the Champions League where they have a good chance of making a deep run if they play well.

Juventus XI: Buffon 6; Barzagli 5 (Lichsteiner 46′, 5.5), Bonucci 6, Benatia 6.5 (Rugani 78′, 5.5), Asamoah 6; Khedira 5.5, Pjanic 5.5; Alves 6.5, Dybala 7, Pjaca 5 (Kean 89′, N/A); Higuain 5.5

Unused Subs: Neto, Audero, Sandro, Lemina, Rincon, Marchisio

Milan XI: Donnarumma 7.5; Zapata 5.5, Paletta 6, Romagnoli 6, De Sciglio 5.5; Pasalic 5 (Poli 71′, 5.5), Sosa 5.5, Bertolacci 5.5; Deulofeu 6.5, Bacca 6 (Kucka 55′, 6), Ocampos 5.5 (Vangioni 90′, N/A)

Unused Subs: Plizzari, Storari, Antonelli, Gomez, Calabria, Fernandez, Suso, Lapadula

Referee: Davide Massa