Mike Maignan Ends Calhanoglu’s Streak in Milan Derby Thriller

Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu saw his legendary penalty streak end on Sunday. AC Milan’s Mike Maignan saved his 74th-minute spot-kick in a tense Serie A clash. The San Siro witnessed a dramatic 1-0 victory for the Rossoneri, secured by Christian Pulisic‘s first-half goal.

The result shakes up the Serie A title race. It also marks a rare failure for one of football’s most reliable penalty-takers.

A Goalkeeper’s Psychological Masterclass

Calhanoglu had scored 27 of 28 penalties for Inter. His technique was considered virtually unstoppable. The chance to equalize seemed perfect when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Marcus Thuram.

Mike Maignan had other ideas. The French goalkeeper engaged in a subtle mind game before the kick. He took a deliberate step to his left, inviting Calhanoglu to shoot to his favored corner.

Calhanoglu took the bait. He struck the ball low and hard to that exact side. Maignan, having anticipated the move, sprang quickly to make a stunning save. The Guardian highlighted the keeper’s brilliant pre-kick movement as a decisive factor.

The save ended an eight-year domestic run without a missed penalty for Calhanoglu. It was a monumental moment in a fiercely contested derby.

Inter’s Big-Game Struggles Continue

Despite the late penalty drama, Inter had dominated large portions of the match. They created numerous high-quality chances throughout the first half. Mike Maignan was in inspired form, repeatedly denying Lautaro Martínez and others.

Milan’s winning goal showcased ruthless efficiency. A saved shot from Alexis Saelemaekers fell to Christian Pulisic, who fired home the rebound. After taking the lead, Milan executed a disciplined defensive performance to seal the win.

For Inter, the loss points to a concerning trend. Statistics show they have now won only two of their last twelve major fixtures against direct Serie A rivals. This pattern of struggling in high-pressure matches is becoming a significant hurdle.

New manager Christian Chivu acknowledged the need for immediate improvement. The team must regroup quickly with a crucial Champions League match ahead.

Thought you’d like to know

How many penalties had Calhanoglu scored before this miss?

For Inter Milan alone, Hakan Calhanoglu had successfully converted 27 of his 28 penalty attempts. His overall Serie A record was nearly flawless before Mike Maignan’s save.

Who scored the winning goal in the derby?

American forward Christian Pulisic scored the only goal of the match. He reacted fastest to a rebound in the first half to give AC Milan the lead.

What does this result mean for the Serie A title race?

The victory tightens the standings at the top of Serie A. It gives AC Milan crucial points and denies their closest rivals, keeping the championship battle wide open.

Has Mike Maignan saved penalties against Inter before?

This was a historic first. Mike Maignan’s save marked the first time he stopped a penalty in a Milan derby, making it an especially memorable moment for the goalkeeper and fans.