Liverpool Triumphs 3-1 Over AC Milan in Champions League

Liverpool secured a decisive 3-1 victory against AC Milan in their return to the Champions League rebounding strongly from their surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest. The match, marking Liverpool’s first Champions League appearance in 18 months started with a jolt as AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic scored a driven strike within the first three minutes.

Despite the early setback, Liverpool quickly regained control. After Mohamed Salah hit the bar twice, Liverpool equalized when Ibrahima Konate headed in a free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 23rd minute. Virgil van Dijk then gave Liverpool the lead with a close-range header from Konstantinos Tsimikas’ corner just before half-time.

Liverpool sealed the win in the 67th minute when Cody Gakpo’s dynamic run set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a simple tap-in. The game also saw a brief debut for summer signing Federico Chiesa, who replaced Salah in the 93rd minute. Liverpool’s performance was a promising start for manager Arne Slot’s new European campaign, coming after a shaky beginning that caused concern among fans.

The Reds’ high-pressing game returned to form with their center-backs exploiting AC Milan’s weak set-piece defense. Despite a late save from Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, who tipped a Rafael Leao shot onto the post, Liverpool maintained their dominance throughout the match. This victory also had a poignant moment as Liverpool players wore black armbands to honor Philip Dooley, a supporter who tragically died in Italy.

Both teams placed flowers on what would have been his seat at the stadium. Liverpool’s win is their first in Europe without Jurgen Klopp since Brendan Rodgers’ team beat Besiktas in February 2015. The Reds face tough challenges ahead in the Champions League including matches against Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.