Mike Maignan once again underlined his top form in the Champions League match with Napoli (1-1) on Tuesday evening. The French goalkeeper of AC Milan polished his excellent figures as a penalty killer even further.
‘Magic Mike’ underlines top form with fabulous penalty statistics
Milan led 0-1 in the return against Napoli when Napoli was awarded a penalty eight minutes before the end. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia launched from eleven yards, but found Maignan in his way. With that, the 27-year-old paved the way to the semi-finals. Victor Osimhen’s equalizer in extra time came too late.
The fact that Maignan is difficult to beat from the penalty spot is evident from the figures that Opta shared on Wednesday. In his entire career, the former Lille and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has been passed on 33 of the 52 penalties he conceded. This season, that score is even better, with Magic Mike only being passed on two of five occasions.
Memphis Depay was also introduced to Maignan’s specialty last month. In the European Championship qualifying match between France and the Netherlands ( 4-0 ), the Orange international failed to score an honorary goal from the spot in extra time. The French goalkeeper thus underlined that he is a worthy successor to Hugo Lloris, who retired as an international.
Lloris was still France’s goalkeeper at the World Cup, but was unable to make his mark on the penalty series during the lost World Cup final against Argentina in which the much-discussed Emiliano Martínez became the Argentinian hero. Maignan was still injured during the tournament in Qatar, but judging by his excellent penalty statistics. He could undoubtedly have played a significant role.
Now that Maignan is finally back after a lingering calf injury. He once again proves his class at Milan every week. The man who was instrumental in Lille (2021) and Milan (2022) league titles with his countless saves can now play a vital role in Milan’s pursuit of their first European success since winning the 2007 Champions League.
Rio Ave
Coach Stefano Pioli pointed out the long way Milan has come after reaching the semi-finals. In 2020, the Rossoneri still needed penalties against Rio Ave to qualify for the main tournament of the Europa League, two seasons later, the seven-time winner of the European Cup I is among the best four clubs in Europe.
“We all remember well how our European journey started against Rio Ave. Everyone thought we were the underdogs, but we have big hearts. Many of these players would never have imagined they could get this close to a Champions League semi-final. We won by playing football with our heart, energy and faith,” the coach recalls.
