The UEFA Champions League has always been a theater for dramatic matches, and the showdown between AC Milan and Liverpool on September 17, 2024, was no exception. This Group Stage match at San Siro, Milan’s iconic stadium, showcased everything fans love about European football—early shocks, tactical battles, set-piece brilliance, and thrilling comebacks. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the context, key moments, and aftermath of the game that saw Liverpool emerge victorious, defeating AC Milan 3-1 despite an early setback.
Setting the Stage: A Rivalry Renewed
AC Milan and Liverpool share a storied history in European football, with notable clashes in past Champions League finals. Their most famous encounter was in the 2005 final, where Liverpool staged a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down to win on penalties. Fast forward to 2024, and the teams met again, this time in the Group Stage of the competition, with both clubs eager to make their mark in this year’s tournament. For AC Milan, the game was a chance to show their resurgence as a European powerhouse, while Liverpool, under new coach Arne Slot, aimed to reassert their dominance after a period of transition.
First Blood: Milan’s Explosive Start
AC Milan could not have wished for a better start. With just three minutes on the clock, American forward Christian Pulisic found himself in space on the edge of Liverpool's penalty box. A sharp pass from Álvaro Morata unlocked the defense, allowing Pulisic to fire a low shot past Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s goalkeeper(Sky Sports). The goal sent the San Siro crowd into raptures, as Milan looked to take control of the match early on. It seemed like Paulo Fonseca's side was poised to dominate with their energetic and aggressive play.
For Milan, this early goal represented more than just a great start. It symbolized their intent to break free from the shadows of their past struggles. After several years of underperformance in both Serie A and Europe, Milan had slowly rebuilt their squad with exciting talents like Pulisic and Morata. Their fast start to the game reflected a newfound confidence and hunger to make a deep run in the competition.
Liverpool’s Resilience: Turning the Tide
Despite the early blow, Liverpool remained composed. Arne Slot's side, playing their first Champions League game under his leadership, exhibited a calmness that speaks to their experience on the European stage. Liverpool slowly began to impose their style, with their fullbacks, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas, playing key roles in orchestrating their attack from deep.
Their breakthrough came midway through the first half when Alexander-Arnold's perfectly delivered free-kick from the left side found the head of Ibrahima Konaté(AC Milan). The towering center-back rose above the Milan defense to head the ball into the net, leveling the score. This goal not only brought Liverpool back into the game but also shifted momentum. Milan, who had started brightly, now found themselves on the back foot.
Just minutes later, Liverpool struck again. This time, it was captain Virgil van Dijk who powered a header past Milan’s goalkeeper from a right-wing corner delivered by Tsimikas(Sky Sports
). Van Dijk’s goal was a masterclass in positioning and timing, further underlining the importance of set-pieces in modern football. By halftime, the score stood at 2-1 in favor of Liverpool, and Milan’s early optimism had evaporated.
The Second Half: Milan’s Struggles and Liverpool’s Control
The second half began with more adversity for Milan. Their first-choice goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, who had picked up an injury in the first half, was replaced by Lorenzo Torriani(
AC Milan), a 2005-born goalkeeper making his first appearance in men’s competitive football. Despite his inexperience, Torriani showed composure and made several key saves to keep Milan in the game.
Milan attempted to rally in the second half, pushing for an equalizer. Substitutes Rafael Leão and Noah Okafor injected energy into their attack, and they came close on several occasions. Theo Hernandez’s effort whizzed past the post, while Leão hit the woodwork with a powerful shot(
AC Milan)(Eurosport). These near-misses encapsulated Milan’s night—so close, yet so far.
Liverpool, on the other hand, played with growing confidence. Mohamed Salah, ever the danger man, twice hit the crossbar in quick succession, coming agonizingly close to extending Liverpool’s lead(Sky Sports). But it was Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian playmaker, who sealed the result for the Reds with a clinical finish in the final minutes. His goal ended any hopes of a Milan comeback and secured a 3-1 victory for Liverpool(Eurosport).
Tactical Breakdown: Set-Pieces and Defensive Organization
Liverpool’s win was a testament to their superior organization and tactical discipline. While Milan enjoyed periods of possession and created several chances, Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by van Dijk, remained resolute. The Dutch captain’s leadership was crucial in organizing his side during Milan’s spells of pressure, and his goal underscored his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Set-pieces, often a decisive factor in tight matches, played a pivotal role in this game. Liverpool’s first two goals came from dead-ball situations, with pinpoint deliveries from Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas finding their towering defenders. Milan, by contrast, struggled to defend these situations effectively, an area they will need to address as the competition progresses.
Arne Slot’s pressing system also worked to stifle Milan’s midfield creativity. By closing down space quickly, Liverpool prevented players like Pulisic and Morata from linking up effectively after the early goal. This high-intensity pressing forced Milan into mistakes, allowing Liverpool to regain possession and launch their own attacks.
Aftermath: What’s Next for Milan and Liverpool?
For AC Milan, the 3-1 defeat was a sobering reminder of the level required to compete with Europe’s elite. While they started brightly and created chances, their inability to defend set-pieces and capitalize on key moments ultimately cost them. Milan will need to regroup quickly, as tougher challenges lie ahead in both Serie A and the Champions League. Paulo Fonseca’s side still has the quality to progress from the group stage, but improvements are needed if they are to fulfill their potential.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be buoyed by this victory. Arne Slot’s men showed character to come from behind and dominate large portions of the match. The win not only puts them in a strong position in their group but also sends a message to their rivals that they remain a force to be reckoned with in Europe. With van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold all in top form, Liverpool will fancy their chances of making a deep run in the tournament this season.
