After another memorable performance in Qatar for Mr. World Cup (stonewalling Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot), Guillermo Ochoa made his Serie A debut with Salernitana on Wednesday against defending champions AC Milan.
Salernitana hosted at Stadio Arechi, but the gap between the two sides was evident with Milan putting 11 shots on target to just one for the hosts.
The match was effectively over after 15 minutes with Rafael Leão and Sandro Tonali giving Milan an early 2-0 lead, but Ochoa kept Salernitana in it with nine stunning saves.
Memo should also get some credit for Salernitana's lone goal in the 83rd minute. Directly before Federico Bonazzoli's finish, Mexico's No. 1 pulled off a double-save to deny Milan at the other end.
Memo Ochoa with a HUGE double save for Salernitana on his Serie A debut.
And then wait for it....GAME ON IN SALERNO. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vBHdgB2A4r— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 4, 2023
He also foiled Sergiño Dest in the 90th.
Sergiño Dest nearly gets his first Serie A goal for AC Milan but Memo Ochoa is right there for a big save. pic.twitter.com/h2707hghB7
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 4, 2023
Here's the entire collection of Memo's work.
Guillermo Ochoa saves vs. AC Milan
Guillermo Ochoa, giorno uno con la Salernitana.
— Luis Herrera (@luisrha) January 4, 2023
After Salernitana's previous starting goalkeeper Luigi Sepe suffered an injury, the club moved quickly to sign Ochoa on Dec. 23 with a contract through the end of the season and an option for a one-year extension.
"When the opportunity to play in Serie A came up, I could not say no," Ochoa explained. "The sporting director explained to me what Salernitana's project is in the medium to long term and I immediately felt involved. I had other options to continue my experience in other countries and other leagues, but as soon as the World Cup was over I felt the desire to marry an ambitious, interesting project."
The 37-year-old is off to an impressive start despite opening with a loss. He'll get another chance Sunday when Salernitana welcomes Torino to Stadio Arechi.
