Liverpool mark UCL return in style; 3-1 win over AC Milan

Liverpool marked their return to the Champions League with a convincing 3-1 win over AC Milan, reaffirming their status as European royalty. The Reds, fresh off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the league, made a statement against the Rossoneri at the San Siro. This match saw Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas replace Luis Diaz and Andrew Robertson, injecting fresh energy into the side. Despite a shaky start, Liverpool’s dominance and tactical acumen under Arne Slot shone through, securing a vital victory.

The game couldn’t have started worse for Liverpool. Just three minutes in, Christian Pulisic exploited a defensive lapse to give Milan an early lead. With Tsimikas caught too far upfield, Pulisic found himself with ample space to slot the ball past Alisson, sending the home fans into raptures. This early setback jolted Liverpool, but it also galvanised them into action.

Liverpool responded by ramping up the pressure, pinning Milan back as they tried to play out from the back. Mohamed Salah came agonisingly close to equalising, hitting the underside of the post. The Reds’ relentless pressing paid off in the 23rd minute when Davide Calabria fouled Cody Gakpo near the edge of the box. Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his trademark precision, delivered a perfect dink into the box, which Ibrahima Konate met with a towering header to level the score.

The equaliser only intensified Liverpool’s pressure. Salah once again struck the frame of the goal, showcasing the visitors’ attacking intent. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Virgil van Dijk scored from a Tsimikas corner, putting Liverpool ahead. The towering Dutchman’s header exemplified Liverpool’s superiority in set-piece situations, as has been the case for quite a few years now.

Despite the early goal conceded, the first half was a testament to Liverpool’s resilience and tactical prowess. After a slow start, they dominated proceedings, with Gakpo and Salah standing out alongside the goalscorers. Liverpool’s ability to switch gears and impose their will on the game was a refreshing change from their previous outing against Nottingham Forest.

The second half began with Liverpool maintaining their high intensity. Diogo Jota’s early effort was bravely saved by Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who had been struggling and was substituted five minutes into the half. His replacement, 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani, faced a baptism of fire against a relentless Liverpool side.

Liverpool continued to control possession, making smart passes and recycling the ball effectively. Milan had a brief spell of possession but struggled to break down Liverpool’s well-organised defence. The Reds’ tactical discipline and pressing once again came to the fore.

The Reds’ third goal came in the 67th minute from a quick counter-attack. Cody Gakpo played a precise ball to Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted it past Torriani. This goal marked Szoboszlai’s first in the Champions League for Liverpool and showcased the team’s lethal counter-attacking capabilities.

Immediately after the goal, Slot made substitutions, bringing on Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez for Gakpo and Jota. Both substitutes made an immediate impact with their pressing and energy. Ryan Gravenberch continued to impress in midfield, controlling the tempo and contributing defensively.

As seen in previous games under Arne Slot, once Liverpool established a two-goal cushion, they expertly managed the game. Rather than going for an overkill, they conserved energy and drained the fight out of their opponents. This tactical shift is a departure from Jurgen Klopp’s relentless attacking style, focusing instead on control and efficiency.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Joe Gomez in the 79th minute, marking Gomez’s first appearance under Slot. Gomez delivered a solid defensive performance.

In the final minutes, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo made their appearances, replacing Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister. The new boy on the block did not get a lot of touches considering it was just a few minutes before FT, but we know he will feature extensively as the season is long, and the Reds are here to compete on multiple fronts.

Rafael Leao hit the post in the dying moments, but it was too little, too late for the home side. All in all, the victory over AC Milan was a comprehensive display of tactical mastery and resilience. Despite the early setback, the Reds showcased their ability to dominate possession, press effectively, and convert set-pieces into goals.

The midfield pairing of Gravenberch and Mac Allister has been particularly effective, providing both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. RG is turning into a different beast under Slot altogether. Another MOTM performance from the lad. Szoboszlai’s goal highlighted the depth and quality of Liverpool’s attacking options. The defence, led by Van Dijk and Konate, remains impenetrable, with the team yet to concede more than one goal in a match this season.

As the Reds get ready for their next game against Bournemouth, things are looking proper good. Slot’s got the guts to make bold moves, and with the depth and quality in the squad, it feels like there’s some exciting times ahead for Liverpool. With a mix of old hands and fresh talent, the Reds are all set to take on the tough season and have a real go at winning some trophies on multiple fronts. YNWA!