Leao goal in Milan 2-1 Red Star wraps up Portugal star’s best year yet | OneFootball

Portugal international Rafael Leao opened the scoring in Milan’s 2-1 victory at home against Red Star in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, which rounds of his best calendar year since his move to San Siro in terms of goal contributions.

2024 is Leao’s best calendar year for goals since Milan move

His goal against Red Star was Leao’s 17th in all competitions in 2024: The most productive calendar year for goals since his move to Milan in 2019, according to Opta. Additionally, all 17 of those goals have come from open play.

Rafael Leao scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match against FK Crvena Zvezda at Stadio San Siro on December 11, 2024, (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Though Milan will not be in Champions League action again until January, Leao still has three more Serie A matches before the new year to further improve on his tally for the year.

Milan’s 2-1 victory over Red Star was also their fourth consecutive win in the Champions League, following previous victories against Slovan Bratislava, Real Madrid and Club Brugge.

However, even though his side won, Rossoneri coach Paulo Fonseca hit out at his players during his post-match press conference, questioning their attitude and threatening to use Primavera players ‘If I need to’.