It was a thrilling night at San Siro as Liverpool marked their return to the Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over AC Milan.
Despite an early scare from Christian Pulisic, who fired Milan into the lead in the third minute, Liverpool recovered with a strong and composed performance.
The Reds responded through goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai, showing their resilience and quality in what turned out to be a fantastic European night for the club.
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AC Milan, full of energy and intent, made the perfect start in front of their home fans. Christian Pulisic, a key figure in Milan’s attack, opened the scoring after just three minutes.
Pulisic capitalized on some disorganized defending by Liverpool and slotted home following a swift counter-attack, giving Milan an early advantage. The goal sent shockwaves through the Liverpool defense, leaving the team with much work to do.
However, Arne Slot’s side did not panic. Instead, they steadily grew into the game, demonstrating the kind of calm, methodical approach that has become a hallmark of successful European campaigns.
Liverpool’s patient build-up play began to create chances, and it was not long before they found their equalizer.
In the 23rd minute, Liverpool leveled the score through a powerful header from Ibrahima Konate. The French defender rose above the Milan defense to meet a perfectly delivered free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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Konate’s goal was the turning point in the game, as it shifted momentum in Liverpool’s favor. The well-timed header showcased his aerial ability and demonstrated Liverpool’s prowess from set pieces, a tactic that would later prove vital.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist was significant, as it marked his 80th assist for the club. His ability to create chances from dead-ball situations continues to be a valuable asset for Liverpool.
The equalizer injected life into the Reds, who now began to take control of the game, pushing forward with greater intensity.
Just before halftime, Liverpool took the lead through another set-piece. This time it was Virgil van Dijk who found the back of the net.
A well-executed corner from Kostas Tsimikas found Van Dijk at the far post, and the Dutchman powered his header beyond Milan’s goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
Van Dijk’s goal was a fitting way to celebrate his 50th Champions League appearance, joining a select group of Dutch players to score in their milestone match.
The likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Makaay have also found the net on their 50th outing, making Van Dijk’s achievement all the more special.
With the halftime whistle approaching, Liverpool were now firmly in control. They had turned around the early deficit and established themselves as the dominant force in the match, heading into the break with a crucial advantage.
In the second half, Liverpool continued to dictate the pace of the game, controlling possession and limiting AC Milan’s chances. Milan struggled to regain the intensity they had shown early in the first half, while Liverpool looked increasingly confident.
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the victory for the Reds.
After Milan gave away possession in a dangerous area, Cody Gakpo took advantage and sent a low cross into the box, where Szoboszlai calmly finished into the far corner.
The goal extinguished any hopes of a Milan comeback and confirmed Liverpool’s dominance on the night.
Szoboszlai’s goal was the final blow to a Milan side that had started brightly but ultimately could not keep up with Liverpool’s intensity and technical superiority.
Both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk scored, marking the first time two Liverpool defenders had found the net in the same Champions League game. This dual contribution from the backline demonstrated Liverpool’s versatility and threat from set-pieces, which proved crucial in overcoming Milan.
Virgil van Dijk’s goal also carried extra significance, as it made him the third Dutch player to score in his 50th Champions League match, joining the likes of Dutch legends Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Makaay. Van Dijk’s leadership and presence were evident throughout the match, both in his defensive duties and his ability to score at critical moments.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist for Konate’s goal was another important milestone, as it marked his 80th assist for Liverpool.
Only Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have provided more assists in all competitions among Premier League players since Alexander-Arnold made his debut in 2016, underscoring his continued influence on Liverpool’s attacking play.
