AC Milan's season hit a new low on Sunday as a 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta put their Champions League hopes in serious jeopardy—while historic club Como celebrated a first-ever European qualification.
The atmosphere at the San Siro turned toxic as fans streamed out long before the final whistle, leaving behind a chorus of boos and angry chants directed at American owners RedBird. The scoreline flattered Milan, who were outclassed from the start. Ederson, Davide Zappacosta, and Giacomo Raspadori had Atalanta 3-0 up by the 51st minute, and late goals from Strahinja Pavlovic and a Christopher Nkunku penalty couldn't mask the damage.
Milan now sit level on 67 points with fifth-placed Roma, clinging to the final Champions League spot by the slimmest of margins. Since their derby win over Inter two months ago, they've managed just seven points and six goals—three of which came in a single match. The frustration boiled over when fan-favorite Rafael Leao was substituted before the hour mark, a moment that symbolized the team's steep decline.
To make matters worse, both Roma and Como secured vital wins on Sunday, tightening the race for Europe's top competition. Roma edged Parma, while Como grabbed a 1-0 victory at relegated Verona thanks to Tasos Douvikas' 71st-minute strike.
For Como, the result is nothing short of a fairytale. The lakeside club was playing in Italy's third division when tobacco giant Djarum took over in 2019. Promoted to Serie A just last year, they've now secured at least a spot in the Conference League—their first-ever European campaign. Sitting just two points behind Milan in sixth, they could still snatch a Champions League place.
"Two years ago today we were promoted to Serie A, and today we're qualifying for Europe," said coach Cesc Fabregas. "The team, the club, the fans have all grown. It's incredible. We will remember this day 20 years from now."
For Milan, the road ahead looks treacherous. With their form spiraling and rivals closing in, the once-proud club faces a fight to the finish just to stay in Europe's elite competition.