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USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah help AC Milan edge Girona in Champions League clash, one step closer to securing top-eight spot

U.S. internationals Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan defeated Girona 1-0 in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday, with the Rossoneri taking three points courtesy of a splendid first half goal from Portuguese winger Rafael Leao.Musah was handed the start from the opening whistle, logging 90 minutes at right wing, while Pulisic was a late substitution cameo with 15 minutes to spare.Milan's leading scorer and assister, Pulisic made his return to the pitch after<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-ruled-out-of-ac-milan-match-against-juventus-weston-mckennie-and-tim-weah/blta41fb8636f21b29a" target="_self"> missing Saturday's match vs. Juventus with a minor injury.</a> Ahead of Wednesday's match, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-s-christian-pulisic-won-t-be-risked-if-not-fit-for-champions-league-match-vs-girona-ac-milan-manager-sergio-conceicao-says/blt8f06d47989ffd331" target="_self">he was listed as doubtful by head coach Sergio Conceicao</a>, but he managed to make an appearance late in the contest.With the result, Milan move up to sixth place in the competition on 15 points, and are just one result away from booking their spot in the Round of 16. Girona, meanwhile, were eliminated from the UCL with Wednesday's result.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Musah had a quiet evening, completing 90 percent of his 21 passes while creating one major attacking chance. In the first half, he hit the woodwork with his lone shot attempt on frame but was otherwise rather ineffective in a wide role.He recorded 36 touches while completing 100 percent of his attempted dribbles, though.Pulisic, meanwhile, had a late cameo but at that stage of the match, the Rossoneri were maintaining possession and not driving forward as much as they looked to secure a result and a crucial three points.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Rossoneri have now won five-straight UCL matches for the first time since 2005, a year where they made it to the final of the competition before falling to Liverpool in a penalty shootout.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Rossoneri are back in action this weekend when they clash with Parma in Serie A. They return to the UCL next week when they travel to Croatia to take on Dinamo Zagreb in a match where three points would guarantee their spot in the top-eight knockout round, avoiding the playoffs.

WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

USMNT Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah defeat Girona in UCL as AC Milan nears top-8 knockout berth in competition | Goal.com

Musah logged 90 minutes from the right wing, while Pulisic made his return to the pitch in a late substitution cameo