Luka Modric's Milan Milestone Shines In 1-0 Win Over Bologna

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-15 04:59:34 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-21 17:56:52

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Age ain't nothin' but a number for Luka Modric, who celebrated his 40th birthday in style by scoring the game's only goal on his AC Milan debut in a 1-0 win over Bologna at San Siro. The veteran midfielder signed for the Rossoneri in the January transfer window but had to wait until Matchday 18 to make his debut.

Milan feared their night could go from bad to worse when goalkeeper Mike Maignan had to be substituted with an injury just before halftime, but they held on for a valuable win despite coach Massimiliano Allegri being sent off.

It was a bittersweet occasion for Allegri, who celebrated his 200th win in charge of Milan but would probably prefer to forget the incident that led to his dismissal. The home side dominated throughout and created the better of the chances against a Bologna side struggling for form.

But it was the oldest player on the pitch who made the difference, as Modric fired home a loose ball from close range to open his account and spark celebrations among the 40,000-strong crowd.

The former Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder - winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2019 - was making his first appearance for Milan since his move from Tottenham.

And he made the breakthrough on the hour mark, meeting a floated restart from Theo Hernandez with a first-time shot that took a deflection off Bologna defender Neo Reto Schuller and looped into the far corner.

It was Modric's first goal in Italy since he netted for Real Madrid in a 3-1 win at Napoli in November 2014.

The goal took the game beyond Bologna, who barely mustered a shot on target, and Milan could have added to their lead through Rafael Leao and Franck Kessie.

Allegri's dismissal came four minutes from time when he angrily protested against a yellow card shown to substitute Alexis Saelemaekers.

It was the second time this season he has been sent off after he was dismissed against Udinese in September.

Milan survived five minutes of stoppage time withsubstitute Maignan - who had replaced the injured Mike Maignan - having to make a smart save from Roberto Soriano.

It was not the prettiest of victories, but the three points put Milan back atop the standings, one point clear of Napoli, who host Juventus in Sunday's late match.

The victory also marked a double milestone for Modric, as the 40-year-old midfielder also made his debut for Milan.

It was the icing on the cake for the former Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder, who signed for the Rossoneri in January from Tottenham but had been forced to wait to make his debut due to a bureaucratic ankle injury.

Go!