In a much-anticipated clash between two European giants, AC Milan and Liverpool, the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, League Phase kicked off in thrilling fashion. Both teams, with a rich history of success in Europe, looked to secure early points in this prestigious competition. AC Milan, coming off a shaky start in their domestic campaign, were determined to make a statement at San Siro, while Liverpool, fresh from a year’s absence from the Champions League, aimed to solidify their return with a strong performance. With key players on both sides, this encounter promised to be an exciting battle.
Head-to-Head: Historically, AC Milan vs Liverpool has been a memorable fixture, with both teams having faced off in some of the most iconic matches in European football. Their most famous encounter remains the 2005 Champions League final, where Liverpool pulled off a miraculous comeback to win on penalties. Fast forward to 2024, both sides were eager to write a new chapter in their storied rivalry.
AC Milan vs Liverpool Lineups:
Here is the AC Milan vs Liverpool lineups today (Sep 16, 2024)
AC Milan (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (substituted 51′ – Lorenzo Torriani)
- Defenders: Davide Calabria (substituted 70′ – Emerson Royal), Fikayo Tomori (substituted 84′ – Matteo Gabbia), Theo Hernández, Youssouf Fofana
- Midfielders: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (substituted 69′ – Tammy Abraham), Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic
- Forwards: Álvaro Morata (substituted 84′ – Noah Okafor), Rafael Leão, Tammy Abraham
Substitutes:
- Lorenzo Torriani, Emerson Royal, Matteo Gabbia, Noah Okafor, Tammy Abraham
Liverpool (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (substituted 79′ – Joe Gomez), Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Kostas Tsimikas
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (substituted 90′ – Wataru Endo), Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah (substituted 90′ – Federico Chiesa), Cody Gakpo (substituted 68′ – Luis Díaz), Diogo Jota (substituted 68′ – Darwin Núñez)
Substitutes:
- Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa
AC Milan vs Liverpool First Half:
The match began with a bang as Christian Pulisic found the back of the net for AC Milan in the 3rd minute after a blistering counter-attack. Liverpool’s defense was caught off guard, and Pulisic calmly slotted the ball past Alisson to give Milan an early lead. However, Liverpool quickly recovered and took control of the match.
In the 23rd minute, Ibrahima Konaté powered home a header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick, leveling the score. The six-time champions continued to build momentum, and right before half-time, Virgil van Dijk scored from a corner delivered by Kostas Tsimikas, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead at the break.
AC Milan vs Liverpool Second Half:
The second half saw AC Milan push for an equalizer, but Liverpool’s solid defense, led by Van Dijk and Konaté, held firm. As Milan tired, Liverpool took advantage and sealed the match in the 67th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s third goal, finishing off a swift counter-attack set up by Cody Gakpo.
Despite Milan’s attempts to fight back, Liverpool’s dominance was evident, and they comfortably saw out the rest of the game to secure a 3-1 victory.
AC Milan vs Liverpool Stats
| AC Milan vs Liverpool Stats | AC Milan | Liverpool |
| Possession (%) | 45% | 55% |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 8 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 15 |
| Corners | 6 | 7 |
| Fouls | 18 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Offsides | 3 | 4 |
AC Milan vs Liverpool Timeline:
- 3′: Goal – Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) scores from a quick counter-attack (1-0)
- 23′: Goal – Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) heads in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold (1-1)
- 41′: Goal – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) scores from a header after a corner (1-2)
- 67′: Goal – Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) finishes a counter-attack assisted by Cody Gakpo (1-3)
- 90’+7: Full-time – Liverpool win 3-1
AC Milan vs Liverpool Impact on the Points Table:
This result means Liverpool earn their first 3 points of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, positioning themselves strongly in the group. Meanwhile, AC Milan suffer an early setback, remaining on 0 points after their first game. With several more group stage matches left to play, Milan will need to bounce back quickly to stay in contention for the knockout rounds.
AC Milan vs Liverpool Man of the Match:
Virgil van Dijk was named the Man of the Match for his commanding presence at the back and for scoring the crucial second goal that put Liverpool ahead. His leadership and aerial prowess were instrumental in securing the win for the Reds.
AC Milan vs Liverpool delivered a high-octane Champions League match full of drama and action. While Milan started brightly, Liverpool’s experience and quality shone through as they took control of the game and earned a deserved victory. With this win, Liverpool made a triumphant return to Europe’s top competition and sent a message to the rest of the continent that they are serious contenders once again.
As for Milan, despite a promising start, they’ll need to regroup and find consistency in their upcoming matches to challenge for qualification in the tough group stage of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League.
