AC Milan will take on Slovan Bratislava at Stadion Tehelne Pole on Tuesday evening, seeking their third consecutive win in the Champions League. While Milan come into this match riding high after a significant victory over reigning champions Real Madrid, their Slovakian hosts are still searching for their first point in the league phase, which has now reached its midpoint.
Milan’s recent Champions League journey began with setbacks against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. However, the Rossoneri have since found their stride, highlighted by a memorable 3-1 victory at the Bernabeu, where Alvaro Morata scored against his former club. This win followed a similar triumph over Club Brugge at San Siro, positioning Milan within the playoff spots with four matches remaining and just three points away from the crucial top eight.
Despite their European success, Milan’s domestic form has been inconsistent. They recently played out a goalless draw with Juventus, managing only one shot on target, and prior to the international break, they settled for a 3-3 draw against Cagliari after leading twice. With only eight wins in their last 25 games and a disappointing 19 points from 12 league matches, Milan’s hopes for silverware this season may rest on knockout competitions.
Slovan Bratislava have faced Milan once before, during the inaugural Champions League season in 1992. On that occasion, Milan’s star-studded lineup prevailed over two legs. Now making their Champions League group stage debut, Slovan has struggled, losing all four of their matches and sitting at the bottom of the standings with the worst goal difference.
Despite their European woes, Slovan remains dominant domestically, losing just once in 17 league matches this season. However, facing Milan represents a significant challenge as they look to improve their fortunes in Europe.
Team News
For AC Milan, coach Paulo Fonseca will have nearly a full squad available. Matteo Gabbia returned from injury to start against Juventus, while long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi remain sidelined. Luka Jovic is doubtful due to a groin issue, leaving Alvaro Morata as the likely starter up front. Morata will be supported by Rafael Leao and Tijjani Reijnders, who have been instrumental in Milan’s recent successes.
Slovan Bratislava will rely on Tigran Barseghyan and David Strelec for attacking impetus. Barseghyan has been prolific domestically with 11 goals this season, while Strelec has scored five in his last five appearances. The return of Austrian defender Kevin Wimmer and veteran midfielder Juraj Kucka provides a timely boost for Slovan.
Expected Starting XIs
Slovan : Takac; Bajric, Kashia, Wimmer; Blackman, Ignatenko, Savvidis, Mak; Barseghyan, Tolic; Strelec
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Thiaw, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Match Prediction
While AC Milan has shown inconsistency domestically, they possess the quality needed to secure victory against a struggling Slovan Bratislava side. With Slovan’s defensive vulnerabilities evident in previous matches, Milan are expected to capitalize and boost their chances of automatic qualification to the Champions League’s last 16. A 3-0 win for the Rossoneri seems likely as they aim to continue their European resurgence.
Prediction: Slovan 0-3 Milan
