Liverpool Secure Dominant Win Over AC Milan In Champions League Return.
Liverpool marked their return to the Champions League with an assured 3-1 victory against AC Milan, bouncing back strongly from their weekend defeat by Nottingham Forest. The win, in their first Champions League match in 18 months, sees the Reds off to a confident start in the group stage under manager Arne Slot.
AC Milan took an early lead after just three minutes, when Christian Pulisic found the back of the net with a powerful shot across goal, stunning the visitors. However, Liverpool responded in style with a commanding performance that quickly turned the game around.
Mohamed Salah, lively throughout the match, came close to equalising but saw his shot rattle the crossbar. It was Ibrahima Konaté who restored parity in the 23rd minute, heading in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expertly delivered free-kick. Salah struck the woodwork again before Virgil van Dijk completed Liverpool’s comeback just before half-time, heading home from a Konstantinos Tsimikas corner to make it 2-1.
Liverpool continued to dominate the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute. Cody Gakpo’s dynamic run down the flank ended with a square pass to Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to seal the victory.
New summer signing Federico Chiesa made his debut in the dying moments, replacing Salah in the 93rd minute.
Despite a shaky start, Liverpool looked impressive after conceding, demonstrating their high-pressing, attacking style that caught AC Milan off-guard in key moments. Salah was particularly influential, hitting the bar twice and keeping Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan busy. Maignan was later forced off with a knee injury after a clash with Diogo Jota, adding to Milan’s troubles.
Liverpool’s defence also played a crucial role, with both Konaté and Van Dijk punishing Milan’s poor set-piece defending with towering headers. Alisson Becker was called into action late on, making a fine save to tip Rafael Leão’s effort onto the post, preventing a Milan comeback.
The victory marks Liverpool’s first European win without Jurgen Klopp since February 2015, when Brendan Rodgers’ side defeated Besiktas. Slot will be relieved to see his team start strongly, especially with tough fixtures against Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen on the horizon.
Liverpool’s win was dedicated to the memory of travelling supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically died in Italy after being struck by a vehicle. In a touching tribute, Liverpool players wore black armbands, and representatives from both clubs placed flowers at what would have been his seat at the San Siro.
Liverpool’s return to the Champions League is off to a promising start, with this comprehensive victory laying a strong foundation for the challenging matches ahead.
