AC Milan’s 2024/25 Champions League campaign began in the worst possible way with a disheartening 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at San Siro. What should have been an electrifying opener for Milan turned into a night of frustration, as fans voiced their anger and disappointment at the team’s lackluster performance.
From chants of frustration to a mass exodus before the final whistle, the Milan faithful made their feelings clear. This article breaks down the events of the match, the fan reaction, and what this means for AC Milan moving forward.
A Rough Start for Milan in the Champions League
AC Milan entered the 2024/25 Champions League with high hopes, but their first game against Liverpool quickly turned sour. Liverpool’s attacking pressure overwhelmed Milan, exposing defensive weaknesses and leaving the Italian giants struggling to keep pace.
Despite an early goal that brought some hope, Milan failed to maintain any control over the match. By the final whistle, they had conceded three goals, and their Champions League opener ended in disappointment.
Fan Frustration Boils Over at San Siro
As the match progressed, frustration began to build among the Milan faithful, particularly those in the Curva Sud, the club’s most passionate supporters. By the 75th minute, with the scoreline at 3-1 in Liverpool’s favor, the fans had had enough.
Early Walkout: A Clear Message
Many fans started leaving San Siro with more than 20 minutes still to play, a rare occurrence for such an important match. This mass exodus sent a powerful message of disapproval toward the team’s performance. The early departure was not just about the defeat but the manner in which Milan seemed to crumble, lacking the intensity and fight their supporters expected.
Curva Sud Leads the Protest
The loudest voices of dissent came from the Curva Sud, Milan’s hardcore fanbase. The group began chanting “Show some balls!” in an attempt to spur the players into action. The chant resonated throughout the stadium, as did another vocal outburst: “You’ve pissed us off!” This intense reaction from the supporters was a clear expression of dissatisfaction with the team’s perceived lack of effort on the pitch.
Milan’s Inconsistency Fueling Fan Outrage
This latest defeat is part of a larger pattern of inconsistency that has plagued Milan in recent seasons. Just three days before the Liverpool match, Milan delivered a commanding 4-0 victory against Venezia, a performance that had briefly quelled fan unrest. However, the sudden return to poor form in such a crucial match reignited the frustrations that have been simmering for months.
A Pre-Match Protest Was Already Brewing
Reports suggest that a protest was initially planned before Milan’s game against Venezia, but the team’s emphatic victory delayed it. The defeat to Liverpool, however, has brought those feelings of dissatisfaction back to the surface, with fans once again questioning the direction of the team.
What Went Wrong for Milan Against Liverpool?
Several factors contributed to Milan’s defeat against Liverpool, from tactical decisions to individual performances. Below, we examine some of the key reasons behind Milan’s collapse:
Defensive Frailties
Liverpool’s high-pressing style exposed Milan’s defensive weaknesses throughout the match. Milan’s backline struggled to contain Liverpool’s attack, with key players losing crucial one-on-one battles. The defense appeared disorganized at times, leaving gaps that Liverpool exploited, leading to their three goals.
Lack of Midfield Control
Milan’s midfield was overrun by Liverpool’s relentless pressing and quick transitions. The team struggled to keep possession, often losing the ball in dangerous areas. This inability to control the midfield contributed to Milan’s difficulty in creating meaningful attacks, while leaving the defense vulnerable.
Poor Offensive Execution
While Milan managed to score an early goal, their offensive play lacked cohesion. Opportunities were squandered, and the final third saw little creativity. Milan’s forwards failed to link up effectively, with passes going astray and crosses being easily dealt with by Liverpool’s defense.
What’s Next for AC Milan?
The 3-1 loss to Liverpool is not just a blow to Milan’s Champions League aspirations, but it also raises questions about the team’s mental and tactical readiness for the season ahead. The players and coaching staff are now under pressure to respond, both in the Champions League and Serie A, where consistency will be key to keeping the fans onside.
Time for Tactical Adjustments
Head coach Stefano Pioli will need to reassess his tactics, especially against stronger opposition like Liverpool. Milan’s defensive setup and midfield balance will be crucial in avoiding similar collapses in future matches. The need for tactical flexibility is apparent if Milan hopes to compete at the highest level this season.
Keeping the Fans on Side
Milan’s supporters are among the most passionate in Europe, and their reaction to this defeat should be seen as a wake-up call for the players and staff. Restoring faith will require not just better results but a show of determination and resilience on the pitch. The team needs to demonstrate the fight and intensity that fans demand, especially in key matches like this one.
Conclusion: A Season at a Crossroads for AC Milan
AC Milan’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool has left the club at a crossroads early in the season. The fierce backlash from fans at San Siro highlights the growing frustration with the team’s inconsistency and lack of intensity. If Milan is to turn their season around, they will need to address both their tactical shortcomings and their mentality on the pitch.
The defeat has raised critical questions about Milan’s readiness to compete in the Champions League, and with the pressure mounting, the team must bounce back quickly. Fans will be expecting a strong response, both in their upcoming Serie A fixtures and in their next Champions League encounter.
In a season full of expectations, AC Milan cannot afford to let the anger and disappointment of their fans linger. It’s now up to the players and coaching staff to rise to the challenge and prove they have the fight to succeed on the European stage.
