Leeds United maintained their unbeaten pre-season run with another decent performance and a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in Dublin on Saturday.
Daniel Farke’s side enjoyed an aggressive and exciting start, with Anton Stach rattling the crossbar and Willy Gnonto spurning a one-v-one chance, but they fell behind on the half-hour mark. Isaac Schmidt was caught out of position as Milan worked the ball down their left, striker Santiago Gimenez eventually smashing home at the back post from a cross.
Leeds continued to push for an equaliser as half-time passed and the second-half went on and after a string of 65th-minute changes, Stach levelled with a brilliantly whipped cross-shot that flew into the far corner. The Whites almost conceded late but for an unconvincing Karl Darlow save, with the two sides eventually settling for a draw.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at the Aviva Stadium and below are his Leeds United player ratings...
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
7 - A couple of moments that showed his quality when either winning or protecting the ball. Terrific pass into Piroe to create a chance. | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM: Anton Stach
9 - Cruised around the pitch getting on the ball, progressing it, helping build attacks. Hit the bar, scored a good goal. Got a foot in. Terrific stuff. | Getty Images
9. RW: Dan James
6 - He and Schmidt struggled to contain Milan on that side. Going the other way it was a mixed bag. Some nice work, some frustrating moments. | Getty Images
10. LW: Wilfried Gnonto
7 - His link-up with Stach was very promising. Some nice moments. Wasteful with the chance Struijk presented him. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST: Joel Piroe
6 - Drifted in and out of it. First touch was a problem at times. Few chances but got his shots away nice and quick. | Getty Images
12. Karl Darlow (sub)
6 - One fortunate moment when he spilled the ball up onto his crossbar. Didn't have a huge amount to do. | Getty Images