Johan Vásquez Scores but AC Milan Defeats Genoa 2-1 in Serie A Mexican Clash

The Mexican central defender wore the captain's armband and scored in the final minutes, while striker Santiago Giménez secured his second consecutive start for the Rossoneri.

Photo: EFE

The final stretch of the Serie A season delivered a historic and highly significant stage for Mexican football. At the Estadio Luigi Ferraris, AC Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Genoa in a thrilling Matchday 37 clash, featuring Mexican international stars Johan Vásquez and Santiago Giménez in the starting lineups for their respective teams.

The home side, captained by sonorense center-back Johan Vásquez, had already guaranteed mathematical safety from relegation a couple of weeks prior, aiming to offer a final home victory to their supporters. However, AC Milan entered the pitch under immense pressure to claim three points and maintain their aspirations for next season's UEFA Champions League, asserting dominance early in the second half.

The San Siro squad opened the scoreline in the 49th minute via penalty, executed clinical fashion by French forward Christopher Nkunku. Holding a narrow lead, the visitors managed the tempo until finding space to extend the advantage. In the 80th minute, Swiss youngster Zachary Athekame capitalized on a defensive opening to slot home the 0-2 cushion that seemed to seal the match.

Nevertheless, Genoa fought back with pride in the closing minutes spearheaded by their captain. In the 86th minute, the hosts executed a pre-planned set-piece routine from three-quarters of the pitch. Although the initial set-up was disrupted, Milan’s backline failed to clear cleanly, sparking a frantic series of rebounds inside the six-yard box. Displaying sharp instincts, Johan Vásquez fought until the final touch, slipping past two defenders to poke the ball under French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, finalizing the 1-2 score.

For the Rossoneri, the other major development for Mexican football was the continuous presence of Santiago 'El Bebote' Giménez, who received backing from the coaching staff to claim his second consecutive start in 2026. The striker played 67 (or 68) minutes upfront before being replaced by Germany's Niclas Füllkrug. While Giménez could not find the back of the net, extending his domestic goal drought, he gathered critical match fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Mexico is set to face South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.