Key Takeaways:
- AC Milan drew 1-1 with Como in a rescheduled Serie A fixture, missing the chance to close in further on top spot
- Rafael Leao netted his eighth Serie A goal of the campaign to cancel out Nico Paz’ opener
- Como moved up to sixth in the table, narrowing the gap to fifth-placed Juventus to four points
Match Analysis
AC Milan’s ambitions to reassert themselves in the Serie A title race took a knock as they were forced to accept a 1-1 draw against Como in their rescheduled midweek encounter at the San Siro. The fixture, postponed from its original date due to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the stadium, ultimately saw Milan unable to capitalise on their game in hand.
The points are shared at San Siro 👊#MilanComo pic.twitter.com/NyORzQqIWH
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 18, 2026
The Rossoneri, eager to make up ground at the summit, fell behind in the 32nd minute. After Mergim Vojvoda had a goal disallowed for offside, Milan’s normally reliable goalkeeper Mike Maignan was caught out by a misplaced pass. Nico Paz capitalised on the error, intercepting Maignan’s delivery before firing a low shot beyond the stunned keeper to hand Como the edge.
Almost immediately, Como had their own keeper to thank for retaining the lead. Jean Butez produced a sharp reflex save to deny Fikayo Tomori from restoring parity, preserving Como’s slender advantage at half-time.
Key Moments & Player Performance
The second half mirrored the drama of the first, as both sides searched for an opening. Jean Butez, momentarily the visitors’ hero, turned villain in the 64th minute. Charging out to meet a long ball, he misjudged the situation, leaving Rafael Leao the opportunity to deftly chip over him and draw Milan level. The goal marked Leao’s eighth in Serie A this season.
The latter stages provided further chances for both sides to snatch victory. Leao saw a header strike the underside of the crossbar, although the effort would not have counted as it was ruled offside. Como responded with Anastasios Douvikas volleying just wide into the side-netting, keeping the tension high.
Milan’s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, watched the closing moments away from the technical area after receiving a red card following an altercation with the Como coaching staff, adding further frustration to his evening.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Score | Goal scorers | League Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 1 | Rafael Leao (64’) | 2nd (54 points) |
| Como | 1 | Nico Paz (32’) | 6th (42 points) |
Impact on the Title Race
Despite avoiding a home defeat to Como for the first time since 1985, Milan narrowed the deficit to leaders Inter to seven points in the Serie A title chase. Como benefitted from the result as well, climbing to sixth place and coming within four points of Juventus in fifth.
