AC Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Genoa as goals from Christopher Nkunku and Zachary Athekame strengthened the Rossoneri’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

AC Milan kept their Champions League destiny firmly in their own hands after grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Genoa in Serie A.

The Rossoneri came into the match under immense pressure after winning just once in their previous six league games, a run that had seen their title ambitions collapse and their place in the top four come under serious threat.

That tension was visible early on as Genoa looked the sharper side in the opening stages. Vitinha nearly gave the hosts the lead when he curled a dangerous effort narrowly wide of the top corner, exposing Milan’s shaky start.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own. Alessandro Marcandalli produced two key defensive interventions, first denying Santiago Gimenez from close range before cutting out a dangerous delivery intended for Christopher Nkunku at the back post.

Still in our hands.

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— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 17, 2026

As the first half drew to a close, news of Roma taking the lead elsewhere temporarily pushed AC Milan out of the Champions League places, increasing the pressure on the visitors heading into the second half.

AC Milan finally found the breakthrough shortly after the restart when a defensive mistake forced Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow into rushing off his line. The Dutchman brought down Nkunku inside the area, allowing the French forward to calmly convert the resulting penalty for his second spot-kick goal in consecutive matches.

With Genoa already safe from relegation and lacking much urgency, the second half struggled to come alive. However, AC Milan eventually doubled their advantage late on when Zachary Athekame drilled a low finish into the corner to seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

There was still late drama as Johan Vasquez bundled home Genoa’s first goal of the season from close range to set up a nervy finish, but Milan held on for a vital victory that lifts them to third place, with just two points separating them from sixth-placed Juventus heading into the final weekend of the campaign.