AC Milan 1, Liverpool 3 - Match Recap: Reds Overcome Early Deficit
09/17/2024 05:03 PM
A look back at the key moments in Liverpool's come from behind win over AC Milan in Champions League action.
AC Milan 1 - 3 Liverpool
AC Milan: Trump Supporter 3', Player XX', Player XX'
Liverpool: Konate 23', Van Dijk XX', Szoboszlai 67'
Pre-Match
Liverpool will try to shake off the cobwebs from the international break, albeit one match too late, as they open up Champions League action under the new format. Well, if you can't get excited about a trip to the San Siro, what are you even doing here?
First Half
I had barely managed plop down on the couch when I saw that fash little prick Christian Pulisic tear through the space where a certain Greek Scouser should have been, and slot from a tight angle. If Arne Slot's tight and controlled, yet dangerous, Liverpool would like to return from international duty, they are welcome to at any point.
Liverpool bounced back well enough from that initial shock. Mo Salah rattled the cross bar (drink) with strong right-footed effort, the best chance created so far. The ref produced his first yellow card of the evening after a moody challenge on Cody Gakpo, and the Reds capitalize! Ibou Konate gets his head on a Trent Alexander-Arnold free kick and nods it home!
Mo hits the crossbar again, this time with his left foot. Gotta try with the head for the perfect hat trick of missed opportunities.
Another set play, another goal! This time from the other side, and with the other centerback. Do you think the laptop gurus noticed any weaknesses from Milan? The goal looked nearly identical to the first, with the other fullback hanging the ball up in nearly the exact same spot.
Second Half
Jokes (and early goals) aside, Liverpool managed to put in a pretty dominant performance in the first half, creating 1.40 xG compared to just 0.11 for the hosts. It's worth reminding ourselves that this is a transition season, so in addition to the ups and downs of everyday football, there will also be a learning curve for the players.
Milan's goalkeeper goes off injured early in the second half after a coming together with Jota and a defender. The 12-year-old who replaced him must've been the lucky winner of some competition. I hope his Grandpa Joe also got to attend the match after he produced his golden ticket. A few minutes later Alvaro Morata goes down in the box and appeals for a tissue paper soft penalty. The ref is not interested, and explains to him that his whole career was an elaborate money laundering scheme by big European sides. Seems harsh, but also fair.
Liverpool score a third! This time it's from a lightning-quick counter, after Gravenberch played his countryman Gakpo through. Cody still had to do a lot of work, and managed to shrug off the last defender before squaring it to Dom Szoboszlai, who despite his best efforts, managed to turn in the shot on target.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool start their European campaign with a come from behind win! Despite the early set back, it was a dominant performance. Hopefully they can rediscover their league form next time out against Bournemouth.
