AC Milan Wins with Striker Olivier Giroud as Keeper

AC Milan scored a Serie A win against Genoa in the most unusual of circumstances. This is because the club’s striker, Olivier Giroud, ended the game between the sticks.

It is not every day that you see a team’s striker end up as goalkeeper. For this instance, however, it is due to the fact that the actual goalkeeper was sent off.

AC Milan Striker Becomes Keeper

Giroud played the last minutes of the game as keeper when Mike Maignan was shown a red card by the referee. Maignan was booked during added time for a serious foul play involving Genoa’s Caleb Ekuban. Specifically, he caught Ekuban in the face with his knee, according to Eurosport.

As Milan could no longer bring in another goalkeeper, Giroud stepped up and took Maignan’s gloves and even the latter’s shirt.

He then went on to make a crucial save that denied George Puscas an opportunity to equalize. Giroud received heaps of praise from fans and media alike with his own club leading the masses.

OLIVIER GIROUD, WHAT A GOALKEEPER!

— AC Milan (@acmilan) October 7, 2023

AC Milan likewise posted a photo with the caption “No, it wasn’t a dream. Yes, it really did happen.”

No, it wasn't a dream. Yes, it really did happen 😄#GenoaMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/NZnvhC3IGA

— AC Milan (@acmilan) October 8, 2023

You can watch Giroud make the switch from striker to keeper in the video below.

Olivier Giroud vs Genoa

GK Masterclass. https://t.co/C9tfIeuy3e

— ＊ (@jaraaxz) October 7, 2023

The Duo from Chelsea

AC Milan won the game 1-0 with the sole goal scored by Christian Pulisic in the 87th minute. Due to their win, the club is now first in the league as of press time.

It should be noted that Pulisic and Giroud were previously teammates in Chelsea Football Club. As part of the team, the duo went on to win the Champions League under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel in 2021.

Giroud, who moved to Chelsea from Arsenal in 2018, made the move to Milan in 2021. Pulisic, on the other hand, joined Chelsea in 2019. He was sold to AC Milan this year.