Rafael Leão was the difference-maker as AC Milan edged past Lazio to claim top spot in Serie A, a slender victory that sparked drama long after the final whistle.
The Portuguese forward latched onto Fikayo Tomori’s incisive cross and coolly slotted home from close range six minutes into the second half, a moment of clinical finishing that proved decisive.
As the clock wound down, tension boiled over. Alessio Romagnoli’s effort cannoned off Strahinja Pavlović’s arm in stoppage time, and a lengthy VAR review followed.
After five fraught minutes of deliberation, the video officials ruled against a penalty, leaving the Lazio players furious and the stadium crackling with controversy.
The delay cost Milan more than nerves: manager Massimiliano Allegri was shown a red card during the wait, sent from the touchline as both teams braced for the verdict.
When the decision stood, Milan breathed a collective sigh of relief and held on for the narrow triumph.
The win lifts Milan to the summit, one point clear of Roma, who face defending champions Napoli on Sunday at 19:45 GMT, while Lazio remain in eighth place. It was a night of fine margins, fierce emotion, and a single moment of brilliance that reshaped the title race.
