Giroud Goes in Goal, Makes Brilliant Save to Help AC Milan Beat Genoa After Maignan’s Red Card

Giroud Goes in Goal, Makes Brilliant Save to Help AC Milan Beat Genoa After Maignan’s Red Card

Elijah Odetokun
updated at October 9, 2023 at 6:30 AM
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  • AC Milan versus Genoa finished with both goalkeepers being sent off
  • Olivier Giroud went in goal after Mike Maignan was shown a red card
  • He helped preserve the lead after Christian Pulisic put Milan in front

Olivier Giroud would not have imagined he would finish the game in goal for AC Milan during their 1-0 win over Genoa.

The Rossoneri came into the game knowing a win would send them to the top of the Serie A table after Inter Milan threw away a two-goal lead against Bologna.

American winger, Christian Pulisic scored the winning goal in the 87th minute, assisted by his compatriot, Yunus Musah, but the drama that ensued after the goal was unimaginable.

Olivier Giroud, AC Milan, Genoa, Italian Serie A.
Olivier Giroud finished AC Milan's 1-0 win over Genoa as a goalkeeper after Mike Maignan was sent off. Photo by Guiseppe Maffia.
Source: Getty Images

As reported by Football Italia, Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan came out to head a ball away outside the penalty area and went knee-first into the chest of Caleb Ekuban, which saw him get sent off.

Giroud moves in goal

A few minutes before Maignan's red card, the Rossoneri had used up their substitutions and striker, Giroud went in goal for the game's final minutes.

As per TNT Sports, the former Chelsea striker rushed off his line in the last minute and made a double save against George Puscas.

At the final whistle, his teammates gathered around him for preserving their one-goal lead.

Genoa also had their goalkeeper, Josep Martinez sent off for a second bookable offence during the resulting free kick from Milan's red card. Fellow keeper, Nicola Leali replaced him.

Giroud, speaking after the game, claimed he had never experienced anything like that and admitted he liked going in goal as a kid, which was why he was chosen for the job.

On the jersey, he said:

“I am keeping this jersey now, I’m framing it!”

Milan stars disagree with Pioli

Sports Brief reported on Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez disagreeing with coach, Stefan Pioli when he wanted to substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the 2-1 win over AS Roma.

The former Chelsea midfielder has settled in well at the team and has become a force in the middle of the park. This saw his teammates arguing with the manager over his substitution.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.