Liverpool Come From Behind to Beat AC Milan in Champions League Opener
Liverpool secured a decisive victory in their Champions League opener against AC Milan, marking their return to the competition after 18 months in the Europa League. This win comes after a surprising loss to Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
AC Milan took the lead within three minutes when Christian Pulisic scored with a low-driven shot. However, Liverpool responded with a strong performance. Mohamed Salah hit the crossbar before Ibrahima Konate equalized in the 23rd minute with a header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick. Salah hit the bar again, and shortly before halftime, Virgil van Dijk scored Liverpool's second goal, heading in a corner from Konstantinos Tsimikas.
In the 67th minute, Liverpool sealed the victory when Cody Gakpo's pass set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a close-range goal. Federico Chiesa made his debut for Liverpool in stoppage time, replacing Salah.
Liverpool's pressing game overwhelmed Milan, especially after conceding early. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was busy throughout the match, denying several Liverpool attempts but was eventually forced off due to a knee injury following a collision with Diogo Jota. Milan's late efforts, including a strike by Rafael Leao that was tipped onto the post by Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker, were not enough to alter the result.
Liverpool, now under the management of Arne Slot, face a challenging group stage ahead, with upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. This win will provide momentum as they continue their campaign.
Liverpool players wore black armbands in memory of Philip Dooley, a traveling supporter who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle in Italy. Both teams honored his memory by placing flowers at what would have been his seat at the match.
This was Liverpool's first European win without Jurgen Klopp since a 2015 Europa League victory under Brendan Rodgers.
Champions League highlights will be available on BBC iPlayer, and "Champions League Match of the Day" will air on BBC One from 22:40 to 00:00 BST.
