UEFA Champions League player ratings: AJ Auxerre 0 – AC Milan 2 (Part 1)
AC Milan travelled to Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps last night to face an in-form Auxerre side. Massimiliano Allegri’s men were looking for the three points to seal a place in the last sixteen while Auxerre needed a victory to keep their progression hopes in
balance.
AC Milan emerged victorious thanks to goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho. It was less than a perfect performance from Rossoneri but at the end of the day it’s the three points that counts. Auxerre, meanwhile, will look to book a Europa League spot
on the final day.
Bettor.com analyses the performances and presents the ratings to its readers.
AJ Auxerre
Olivier Sorin – 6
The keeper was hardly called up for action and his most significant contribution was picking the ball out of his own net twice in the second half.
Cedric Hengbart – 5.5
The defender was unable to match his pre-match words with a performance on the pitch. Even though he dealt with Rossoneri strikers reasonably well, he was unable to contribute in attack.
Adama Coulibaly – 5
The defender had a mixed game on the night. Adama almost gifted Milan a goal in the first half but Gattuso could only fire over. However, he did make a superb block on Robinho towards the end of the game.
Stéphane Grichting – 6
Grichting was able to match Ibra’s physical prowess for much of the game until the Swede scored. Stephane could have scored one himself on the other end but failed to do so.
Dariusz Dudka – 5
Troubled Abbiati with a well taken free kick in the first half but was woeful defensively. Abate often blitzed past him on two occasions and almost resulted in goals. Not a night to remember for the Polish International.
Dennis Oliech – 6
The Kenyan fought an intriguing battle against Gattuso all evening long. Oliech tried to dictate tempo for his team but found little success out of a stern Milan midfield.
Benoit Pedretti – 6
Pedretti was the most likely source of inspiration for the French sides but his final ball often let him down.
Delvin Ndinga – 5.5
Tried to create space for his team-mates by running in the channels but couldn’t make a telling contribution. To his credit however, he played for the team and his work rate was admirable
Valter Birsa – 5.5
Birsa played with his heart on his sleeve and tried to make things happen for his side but failed. For all his efforts, Birsa found no joy out of Milan backline.
Frédéric Sammaritano – 5.5
The story reads the same most of Auxerre attacking players. Sammaritano was full of running and energy and even looked like a goal scoring threat in the first half but faded badly in the second game.
Roy Contout – 5
The French striker spent the entire evening in Alessandro Nesta’s pocket and couldn’t muster anything of note through the game.
Substitutes:
Alain Traoré – 4.5
The player was brought on to shore up the defence but failed miserably.
Kamel Chafni – 5
Chafni was supposed to bring another dimension to AJA attack but was tame with his efforts.
Julien Quercia – 5
Fernandes’ last throw of dice to turn things around following Ibrahimovic’s opener but he failed to make an impact.
Tags: