When the tension runs high in the Derby della Madonnina, even the faintest pulse of hope can electrify an entire city. AC Milan did just that on Sunday, edging past league leaders Inter with a tight 1-0 victory, thanks to a thumping first-half goal by Pervis Estupiñán. Suddenly, the race for the Serie A 2025/26 Scudetto looks thrillingly alive for the Rossoneri faithful.
Turning points: Missed chances and clutch saves
Sometimes, football is decided not just by stunning goals but crucial moments of misfortune or brilliance. Right from kickoff, Inter’s Yann Sommer made an uncharacteristic blunder, gifting Luka Modric a rare opportunity. However, the Croatian maestro—normally unerring—dragged his left-footed shot just wide of the post.
That early scare seemed to jolt Inter into action. Henrikh Mkhitaryan soon barreled down half the pitch, bursting into the Milan penalty area with intent. Yet it was Mike Maignan, the Rossoneri captain, who stood tall with a vital one-on-one save—a moment that would prove pivotal less than two minutes later.
Decisive flash: Estupiñán enters the history books
Blink and you’d miss it: In the 35th minute, Youssouf Fofana slid a razor-sharp pass through the Inter defense, finding Estupiñán in stride. In a heartbeat, the Ecuadorian left-back rifled the ball into the roof of the net, securing not just the lead but a piece of derby history as the first Ecuadorian to score in Milan vs Inter across all competitions. That single, thunderous strike not only lifted the Rossoneri but set the tone for a dogged, all-or-nothing battle.
Despite holding the advantage, Milan’s work was far from over. Christian Chivu’s Inter intensified the pressure, especially in the second half. Piotr Zielinski forced another smart stop from Maignan at his near post, while Federico Dimarco managed to sky a golden chance from just inside the box. Perhaps the moment that truly summed up Inter’s woes came in stoppage time, when Dimarco’s deflected cross rippled the net—only for the referee’s whistle to rule it out due to a foul seconds earlier. For Milan, grit, discipline, and a touch of fortune made the difference as they clung to their slender lead.
Historic feats and statistical nuggets worth knowing
For Milan, this wasn’t just another win—it was a night full of meaningful milestones and fascinating numbers:
- The Rossoneri have now won both Serie A derbies against Inter for the first time since their title-winning 2010-11 season.
- Their unbeaten streak in derby matches stretches to seven (5 wins, 2 draws)—their longest such run since 2005.
- Milan reached 60 points after 28 games, a tally they’ve only matched three other times since 2009-10 (including their 2010-11 and 2021-22 title campaigns).
- Despite the win, statistical nuance tells another story: Milan’s xG (expected goals) was only 0.77 from nine shots, while Inter posted 1.24 from 11 attempts, managing just two on target.
Massimiliano Allegri has consistently downplayed title talk, focusing on Champions League qualification as the season’s primary aim. But after this derby triumph—closed with discipline and garnished with a slice of history—those aspirations might be quietly evolving. In a sport where momentum can reshape dreams overnight, Milan’s sudden resurgence breathes hope back into one of Europe’s most storied clubs.