Liverpool Bounce Back with a 3-1 Victory Over AC Milan in Champions League
Liverpool's return to Champions League football couldn't have been more dramatic or impressive. After a shaky domestic result just days earlier, where they lost to Nottingham Forest 1-0 at home, the Reds responded emphatically with a 3-1 comeback victory against AC Milan. It was a result that showcased their resilience and ability to rise on the big European stage.
The match didn’t start smoothly for Liverpool. AC Milan's Christian Pulisic fired them ahead after just three minutes, leaving many wondering if Liverpool’s recent struggles would continue. But instead of crumbling, they gathered themselves and quickly shifted into a dominant gear. The response came through two powerful headers from Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk before Dominik Szoboszlai secured the win with a calm finish, following a fantastic run by Cody Gakpo.
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Liverpool's pressing game shone throughout the match, unsettling Milan and regaining control after the early setback. Mohammed Salah was instrumental, hitting the crossbar twice in the first half, while Cody Gakpo’s efforts were also well-denied by Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The pressing and counter-pressing strategy that has defined Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp continued under new manager Arne Slot, although Slot's tactical tweaks added a level of patience and structure. Slot, making his European managerial debut, was pleased but couldn't help expressing disbelief over their prior loss to Forest, saying, "It's unbelievable we lose to Forest at home if we can play like this today."
Former Liverpool players and pundits, such as Alan Shearer, praised the team’s calm approach. Despite the early goal conceded, Liverpool didn’t panic. They stayed composed, stuck to their game plan, and executed it to perfection. Shearer noted, "There was no panic from Liverpool. They believed in their gameplan. A good night's work."
Slot’s system differs slightly from Klopp's high-energy, chaotic style, favoring more control in possession, a tactic reminiscent of Manchester City or Arsenal. This balance between pressing and possession helped Liverpool regain control after Milan’s quick start. Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock pointed out how fans might take time adjusting to Slot's approach, but the result shows its effectiveness.
The victory also marks Liverpool's first European win without Klopp since 2015, showing that Slot’s era could potentially continue Klopp’s legacy of success. Virgil van Dijk emphasized how the team still draws from the spirit Klopp instilled, despite the managerial change. He praised Slot’s influence but reiterated that "there aren’t too many changes" between their styles.
Liverpool's win in Milan was not only a statement of intent in Europe but also a reminder of the squad’s capability when they're fully focused. With key players like Konaté, Van Dijk, and Szoboszlai stepping up, the team looks well-prepared to make a deep run in the tournament. If they can maintain the consistency Van Dijk alluded to, this could be the beginning of another memorable Champions League campaign for the Reds.
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