serie a: Milan held 1-1 by Como as Leao's lob cancels out Maignan error
Feb. 18, 2026 (ET) — Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Como in a match that showcased both sides' intensity and fine margins. Nico Paz opened the scoring after a costly error from Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, but Rafael Leao levelled with a composed lob on the break. The draw leaves both teams with points to protect as the season heads into a critical phase.
Match report: error and quick response
The game swung on one early mistake and one moment of individual quality. Milan pushed to find space against a Como side that remained dangerous on the counter and in set-piece situations. A misplaced pass from Maignan gifted Nico Paz a tap-in to make it 1-0, capitalizing on a momentary collapse in build-up play.
Como continued to threaten, with a Bartesaghi free-kick skidding into the box and a close call from a Paz delivery that forced Tomori to divert the ball for a corner. Milan's attacking intent was constant; Leao tested Como's keeper with efforts from the left while Sergi Roberto came close with a drilled attempt that Maignan managed to keep out earlier in the game.
Discipline and physicality shaped the contest. A heavy challenge on Nkunku led to a booking that has disciplinary consequences; the cautioned player will be unavailable for the upcoming clash with Juventus. There were also protests from Milan after a foul at the edge of the area and moments where contact between defenders and attackers drew attention, but play flowed on.
The equaliser arrived from a classic counter: Milan launched forward, found space on the left and Leao completed the move with a delicate pallonetto that caught goalkeeper Butez off guard and crept into the net. The finish illustrated why Leao is a constant focal point for opposition attention—he is often closed down quickly, but remains capable of deciding tight games single-handedly.
Manager and sporting director reactions: fitness, focus and refereeing
On the eve and in the aftermath of the fixture, the manager stressed the stakes of the run-in and the need for concentration. With the campaign entering a decisive stretch, he reiterated that margins are thin and that the squad must manage physical issues carefully. Adrien Rabiot's suspension was noted as a selection problem, while Christian Pulisic's fitness remains under assessment. The coach welcomed the fact that several players are available and underlined that those called upon are expected to perform.
The sporting director offered a complementary update on Rafael Leao's condition, underlining that while a physical concern persists, the forward has been improving in training over the past ten days and looked better ahead of the match. He framed Leao's situation as manageable and stressed that the player's qualities are unquestioned, adding that the team must keep momentum across the remaining fixtures.
Both club voices touched on the broader climate surrounding refereeing decisions and high-profile incidents in recent matches. The manager called for focus on sporting priorities, noting that subjective interpretations will always exist but that the team must remain composed. The sporting director urged a forward-looking approach, suggesting debates over controversial episodes should not distract from preparing players and safeguarding their concentration.
The draw leaves Milan with points dropped at a time when the title race and Champions League qualification battle will be decided across the coming weeks. Como can take pride from a disciplined away performance that included punishing a top opponent's lapse, while Milan will look to tighten defensive reasoning and manage small margins better in upcoming Serie A fixtures.
