A dramatic injury-time goal from Tammy Abraham completed a remarkable comeback for AC Milan, as they triumphed 3-2 over city rivals Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup final at Riyadh’s King Saud University Stadium. Overturning a two-goal deficit, Milan denied Inter a historic fourth consecutive Super Cup title and equaled their rivals’ tally of eight wins in the competition. The victory also marked a dream start for new manager Sérgio Conceição, who lifted his first trophy in just his second game in charge.
Inter’s Dominance in the First Half
Inter Milan entered the match with confidence, showing why they were chasing an unprecedented Super Cup record. From the outset, the Nerazzurri dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game. Their breakthrough came in the dying seconds of the first half when Lautaro Martínez displayed his class.
Mehdi Taremi, in a moment of creative brilliance, threaded a low pass across the box to Martínez. The Argentine forward used deft footwork to outmaneuver Malick Thiaw before drilling a low shot through Theo Hernandez’s legs. The effort caught Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan off guard, beating him at his near post. The goal gave Inter a deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Taremi Doubles the Lead
Inter’s second goal came almost immediately after the restart, showcasing their ruthless efficiency. A long ball from Stefan de Vrij was expertly controlled by Taremi, who then unleashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner, leaving Maignan with no chance. At 2-0, it seemed Inter was on course to secure yet another Super Cup triumph.
The Nerazzurri’s commanding position forced Milan to make changes, with manager Sérgio Conceição introducing Rafael Leão to provide a spark. The substitution would prove pivotal.
Theo Hernandez Inspires Milan’s Comeback
Leão made an immediate impact, winning a free kick just outside the penalty area. Theo Hernandez stepped up to take the set piece and curled a low effort around the wall. The ball crept inside the post, leaving Inter’s Yann Sommer rooted to the spot. The goal reignited Milan’s hopes, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and shifting the momentum.
Inter 2-1 Milan
Theo Hernandes with a great freekick goal!
— SHAYEE (@tier_first) January 6, 2025
Buoyed by Hernandez’s strike, Milan pushed forward with renewed energy. Tijjani Reijnders came close to equalizing, only to see his shot blocked by Alessandro Bastoni’s face. Moments later, Alvaro Morata’s powerful header was superbly saved by Sommer, who kept Inter in the lead for the time being.
Pulisic Levels the Scores
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Milan finally found their equalizer. Theo Hernandez, again instrumental, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Surrounded by three Inter defenders, Christian Pulisic demonstrated remarkable composure to control the ball and guide it into the far corner. The American international’s clinical finish leveled the match at 2-2, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
At this point, it appeared the game was heading for penalties, as the Super Cup rules allowed no extra time. However, Milan had other plans.
Tammy Abraham’s Late Heroics
Milan’s persistence paid off deep into injury time. Rafael Leão, who had been a constant menace on the wing, surged down the flank and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Tammy Abraham, perfectly positioned, tapped the ball into the net for the simplest of finishes. His goal completed Milan’s stunning comeback and handed them their first Super Cup title since 2016.
3-2 AC Milan.
TAMMY ABRAHAM HAS SCORED THE WINNING GOAL IN THE 93RD MINUTE OF THE GAME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AC MILAN HAVE TURNED IT AROUND FROM 2-0 DOWN TO WINNING 3-2 AGAINST THEIR BIGGEST RIVAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZewtWSLnCE
— SHAYEE (@tier_first) January 6, 2025
The late winner sparked wild celebrations among Milan players and staff, with Sérgio Conceição running onto the pitch to join the jubilant scenes. Meanwhile, Inter’s players slumped to the ground, visibly shattered by the loss.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Lautaro Martínez’s Opener: A moment of individual brilliance from Inter’s captain broke the deadlock and gave his side the edge in the first half.
- Mehdi Taremi’s Second: The Iranian forward’s control and finish early in the second half put Inter firmly in the driver’s seat.
- Theo Hernandez’s Free Kick: A pivotal moment that reignited Milan’s hopes and changed the dynamic of the game.
- Pulisic’s Equalizer: The American forward’s calm finish leveled the match, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
- Abraham’s Winner: The substitute’s late goal epitomized Milan’s fighting spirit and secured their Super Cup triumph.
Fancy watching the entire trophy lift again? Course you do! #InterMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/xhEbjMoGq5
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 6, 2025
What the Managers Said
Sérgio Conceição (AC Milan):
“This is a moment to cherish for everyone connected to AC Milan. To win a trophy in my second game is an incredible achievement, but it’s all down to the players. They showed immense resilience and never stopped believing. This victory is for the fans who have supported us through thick and thin.”
Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan):
“It’s a tough loss to take. We were in control for much of the game, but football is about seizing moments, and Milan did that better tonight. We’ll learn from this and move forward. The season is long, and there’s still plenty to fight for.”
Key Stats
- AC Milan’s victory marked their eighth Super Cup title, drawing level with Inter’s tally.
- Tammy Abraham’s goal was his first in a Super Cup final, securing his place in Milan folklore.
- Inter’s defeat ended their streak of three consecutive Super Cup wins, denying them a chance to make history with a fourth.
How Milan Turned the Game Around
Milan’s comeback was fueled by tactical adjustments, impactful substitutions, and unyielding determination. Rafael Leão’s introduction added creativity and energy, while Theo Hernandez’s leadership inspired his teammates. The Rossoneri capitalized on Inter’s defensive lapses and made the most of their opportunities.
Tammy Abraham’s winner epitomized Milan’s spirit, combining Leão’s precision with his own poaching instincts. In a match filled with drama, Milan emerged victorious, leaving fans with a derby to remember.
AC Milan will look to build on this momentum as they return to Serie A action, while Inter must regroup and refocus after this heartbreaking loss. The Derby della Madonnina has once again delivered an unforgettable chapter in football history.
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