In a thrilling Champions League encounter at the San Siro, Liverpool overcame a dream start by AC Milan to secure a convincing 3-1 victory. The match, which marked the beginning of both teams’ European campaigns, showcased Liverpool’s resilience and attacking prowess.
AC Milan, under new coach Paulo Fonseca, started brightly with Christian Pulisic opening the scoring in the third minute. The American’s well-placed angled drive past Alisson Becker gave the home fans hope for a positive result.
However, Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, quickly found their footing. Ibrahima Konaté equalized with a glancing header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick, exposing Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s misjudgment.
The Reds continued to dominate, with Mohamed Salah hitting the crossbar and creating several chances. Liverpool’s pressure paid off when Virgil van Dijk headed in from a Kostas Tsimikas corner, giving the visitors the lead before halftime.
Milan’s woes were compounded when Maignan was forced off due to injury, replaced by 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani. The young keeper was immediately tested but held his own against Liverpool’s attacks.
The match was sealed in Liverpool’s favor when Dominik Szoboszlai scored from close range following a swift counter-attack, capitalizing on Milan’s push for an equalizer.
Despite late efforts from Milan, including a Rafael Leao shot that struck the post in stoppage time, Liverpool held firm. The result left Milan fans frustrated, with many leaving early and expressing their disappointment vocally.
Goals: Pulisic 3 (M), Konaté 23 (L), Van Dijk 41 (L), Szoboszlai 67 (L)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan (51′ Torriani); Calabria (69′ Emerson), Tomori (84′ Gabbia), Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek (69′ Abraham); Pulisic, Reijnders, Rafa Leao; Morata (84′ Okafor)
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold (79′ Gomez), Konaté, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister (91′ Endo); Salah (91′ Chiesa), Szoboszlai, Gakpo (68′ Luis Diaz); Diogo Jota (68′ Nunez).
