Result: AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool

Sept. 17, 2024, 11:30 p.m. Sports

AC Milan's Champions League campaign got off to a rough start as they fell 1-3 to Liverpool in a thrilling match at the San Siro. The result left the Italian giants with an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages, while Liverpool sent a strong statement to the rest of Europe with an impressive performance.

The game started off with both teams looking to impose their style of play, with AC Milan controlling possession and Liverpool looking dangerous on the counter. It was Liverpool who struck first in the 20th minute when Mohamed Salah latched onto a through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold and calmly slotted it past AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The goal seemed to wake AC Milan up, and they responded well with a series of attacks on Liverpool's goal. However, they found themselves unable to break down Liverpool's defense, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip putting in solid performances at the back for the Reds.

Liverpool doubled their lead just before halftime when Sadio Mane pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired it into the back of the net. AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli made several changes at halftime in an attempt to spark his team into life, but it was Liverpool who continued to look the more dangerous side.

AC Milan did manage to pull a goal back in the 65th minute through Ante Rebic, who headed in a cross from Theo Hernandez. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Liverpool restored their two-goal lead just minutes later. Jordan Henderson found himself unmarked at the back post and headed in a cross from Andy Robertson to seal the victory for the Reds.

The result leaves AC Milan with a tough task ahead if they are to progress from the group stages of the Champions League. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their strong start to the competition and will look to build on this performance in the coming matches.

Overall, it was a commanding display from Liverpool, who showed their quality and experience on the European stage. AC Milan will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage their Champions League campaign, as they face an uphill battle to qualify from a tough group. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be pleased with their performance and will look to carry this momentum forward as they look to challenge for the Champions League title once again.