AC Milan clinched their first Champions League points of the season with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at the San Siro. The match was marked by an unusual opening goal, a red card incident, and impactful substitutions.
The Rossoneri, who had previously suffered defeats against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, welcomed back Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez to the starting lineup. Club Brugge, coming off mixed results in their European campaign, were without key players Gustaf Nilsson and Bjorn Meijer.
The deadlock was broken in peculiar fashion when Christian Pulisic’s in-swinging corner eluded everyone, including goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, to find the net directly. The American’s intended cross for Matteo Gabbia turned into an Olimpico goal, giving Milan the lead.
Club Brugge’s task was made more difficult when Raphael Onyedika received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Tijjani Reijnders, following a VAR review. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Belgian side managed to equalize through substitute Kyriani Sabbe’s well-placed shot.
Milan manager Paulo Fonseca’s tactical changes proved decisive. Newly introduced Noah Okafor provided an immediate impact, setting up Reijnders for Milan’s second goal. The Dutch midfielder later completed his brace, finishing off a similar move initiated by Samuel Chukwueze.
The match also saw a historic moment as 16-year-old Francesco Camarda made his Champions League debut, becoming the youngest Italian and Milan player to feature in the competition. Camarda nearly etched his name further into the record books with a goal, but it was ruled offside by VAR.
This victory marks a crucial turning point for Milan in their Champions League campaign, reviving their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Goals: Pulisic 34 (M), Sabbe 51 (B), Reijnders 61, 71 (M)
Sent off: Onyedika 40 (B)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Gabbia (dall’83’ Thiaw), Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Fofana (75′ Musah), Loftus-Cheek (60′ Okafor); Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao (60′ Chukwueze); Morata (75′ Camarda)
Club Brugge (3-5-2): Mignolet; Seys (46′ Sabbe), Mechele, Ordonez; Cuyper, Jashari (’84’ Nielsen), Onyedika, Vanaken, Talbi (46′ Vetlesen); Tzolis (70′ Skov Olsen); Jutgla (70′ Skoras).
