AC Milan will look to kickstart their faltering Champions League campaign when they host Club Brugge at the San Siro on Tuesday night. The seven-time European champions are desperate for points after losing their opening two group matches, while the Belgian side arrive with renewed confidence following a win over Sturm Graz.
Paulo Fonseca’s AC Milan side have endured a difficult start to their Champions League campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats against Liverpool (3-1) and Bayer Leverkusen (1-0). The Rossoneri now find themselves in a precarious position, knowing that another loss could severely damage their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Milan’s recent European record makes for grim reading – they have won just 9 of their last 33 Champions League matches. Another defeat on Tuesday would see them lose their first three games of a Champions League campaign for only the second time in the club’s illustrious history.
However, there are some positive signs for Milan to build on. They secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A at the weekend, despite playing over an hour with 10 men following Tijjani Reijnders’ dismissal. That result maintained their unbeaten home record in the league this season.
Club Brugge travel to Italy with an impressive recent away record in the Champions League. The Belgian champions are unbeaten in their last four group stage matches on the road, keeping clean sheets in each of those games.
Nicky Hayen’s side bounced back from an opening day defeat to Borussia Dortmund by securing a vital 1-0 win away at Sturm Graz earlier this month. That victory, courtesy of a Christos Tzolis strike, has reignited Brugge’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The visitors can also draw inspiration from their previous visits to the San Siro. Brugge held Milan to a goalless draw in the 1990 European Cup before famously winning 1-0 in a 2003 Champions League clash.
The outcome of this match could hinge on whether Milan’s star-studded attack can break down Brugge’s resolute defense. The Belgian side have been miserly on their Champions League travels, but they will face a stern test against the likes of Leao, Pulisic and Morata.
Milan’s fluid attacking play and individual quality should create chances, but they must be clinical to overcome a well-organized Brugge backline marshaled by experienced goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Team News
Milan coach Fonseca is expected to make changes from the weekend’s Serie A victory. Key defender Theo Hernandez returns from suspension and should slot straight back into the starting lineup.
The Rossoneri remain without long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi and Davide Calabria. There will be fierce competition for attacking places, with Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor all vying for selection alongside either Alvaro Morata or Tammy Abraham up front.
Club Brugge have injury concerns over influential winger Andreas Skov Olsen, while striker Gustaf Nilsson and midfielder Casper Nielsen are also doubtful. Full-back Bjorn Meijer has returned to training following knee surgery but is unlikely to be risked.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Club Brugges: Mignolet; Seys, Spileers, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vetlesen, Onyedika; Skoras, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Match Prediction
While AC Milan’s European form has been poor, their strong home record in Serie A suggests they should have enough quality to edge past Club Brugge. The Rossoneri’s attacking talent should prove decisive, but don’t expect the visitors to make life easy for them.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Club Brugge
