AC MILAN v PSG: THE DEBRIEFING

What an AC Milan, what a win! At San Siro, the Rossoneri beat PSG 2–1 thanks to goals from Rafa Leão and Olivier Giroud, fighting back following Škriniar's opener. It was an end-to-end contest, a European tempo with with move after move churning out constant danger from one side to the other. Let's analyse three decisive factors from matchday 4 in the Champions League.

CHARACTER AND THE HOME SUPPORT
Two wasted opportunities at the start, in between the goal conceded from a set-piece. AC Milan did not crumble, but showed their determination, reacting as a strong, united group. Leão's acrobatics started the antics, as his goal broke the Rossoneri number 10's goal drought in the Champions League, lifting a significant weight off his shoulders. And then, driven on by an incessant sold-out San Siro support, the Rossoneri found the strength and energy to come back and bring home three very precious points, as seen by Musah. Coach Pioli's men did not save any energy in both phases of the game, charging up with their supporters. To highlight the importance of this comeback, one fact says it all: in the Champions League, AC Milan had not come from behind to win since the group stages against Real Madrid on 21 October 2009.

FROM MIDFIELD TO ATTACK
It was another team compared to the one from Paris, with the distance between departments to the density and dynamism observed at San Siro. The difference was especially noticeable in the middle of the park. Loftus-Cheek's return was massive, dominant and skilled in breaking the opponent's pressure with his bursts, but there were also excellent responses from Reijnders in an unusual position for him. With Musah completing the unit, the Rossoneri midfielders overshadowed their Parisian counterparts, granting possession but without leaving too much room to manoeuvre. And with a midfield like that, the striking department benefited. PSG in fact struggled to take the appropriate measures, and double up on Pulisic and Leão, the latter having a great evening. Leader Olivier Giroud also shone, getting above Škriniar to make it 2-1 and always a danger for rebounds.

DEFENSIVE CONCENTRATION
Getting back among the goals was of fundamental importance, but in the ninety minutes of play at San Siro, probably the most difficult task fell to the defensive department, considering that PSG arrived in Milan with an average goal rate of three per game. After conceding early on, the Rossoneri found their composure and solidity back. It was hard to imagine not letting in something, and resisting and limiting the quality of the numerous Parisian offensive drives was a real test for the entire AC Milan rearguard. From individual duels to team ones, from Calabria against Mbappé to Theo against the duo of Hakimi and Dembélé, up to the pairing of Tomori and Thiaw, who managed to first stop Kolo Muani and then Ramos; Maignan gave confidence to the entire unit: everyone passed with flying colours.

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