Liverpool delivered a commanding 3-1 triumph against AC Milan on Tuesday night, kicking off their Champions League campaign with flair. Arne Slot’s side responded impressively after an early third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic, ultimately securing a comfortable victory with goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
While Milan Fashion Week began, it was Liverpool who showcased elegance on the pitch, at the iconic San Siro, in a battle between two European football giants. Both clubs share a combined 13 continental titles and have clashed in previous Champions League finals, but this time, Liverpool outclassed their Italian counterparts. The visitors could have easily scored more, as Mohamed Salah was twice denied by the crossbar in the first half.
Slot, who celebrated his 46th birthday, was thrilled with the performance. The victory marked a return to form for Liverpool after a surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. In contrast, Milan, under new coach Paulo Fonseca, continue to struggle. Fewer than 60,000 fans attended Tuesday’s match, a low turnout for Milan’s most high-profile fixture in the revamped Champions League format.
Adding to Milan’s woes, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was forced off with a knee injury early in the second half, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s Milan derby against defending champions Inter Milan. Milan’s Christian Pulisic acknowledged the team’s struggles and highlighted the significance of their next match.
Milan’s fans unfurled a giant “Fearless” banner before kick-off, and their team began energetically, with Virgil van Dijk needing to clear a dangerous Tijjani Reijnders cross in the opening moments. Pulisic capitalised on a defensive lapse to give Milan an early lead, latching onto a precise pass from Alvaro Morata and finishing with a low shot.
Liverpool quickly found their rhythm and came close in the 16th minute when Salah’s right-footed effort rattled the crossbar. The visitors equalised through Konate, who nodded in a well-placed free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s pressure intensified, and they took the lead before half-time as Van Dijk’s header found the back of the net, moments after Diogo Jota missed a clear chance and Salah again hit the bar.
Milan’s fortunes worsened after Maignan limped off following a collision with Fikayo Tomori, leaving teenage goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to take his place. Liverpool sealed the victory when Szoboszlai bundled home Cody Gakpo’s cross, after the Dutchman had skilfully bypassed a sluggish Strahinja Pavlovic.
Disgruntled Milan fans began leaving long before the final whistle, and those who remained greeted the team with boos, whistles, and chants demanding more fight, in the aftermath of a disappointing and deserved defeat.