THREE POINTS IN BRATISLAVA
Champions League
On matchday 5 of the league phase of the Champions League, AC Milan secured a 3-2 victory over Slovan Bratislava thanks to goals from Pulisic, Leão, and Abraham. The Rossoneri opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Pulisic, but the hosts quickly responded through Barseghyan in the 24th minute. In the second half, AC Milan took control of the match following goals from Leão (68') and Abraham (71'), before Marcelli reduced the deficit for Slovan with 88 minutes on the clock. AC Milan now have nine points in the standings, with their qualification hopes very much alive.
Coach Fonseca's boys showed great character and determination, responding well to challenging moments. The team adopted an offensive approach, making the most of Leão's speed and Pulisic's creativity. Fonseca's substitutions, including the introductions of Leão and Musah, injected new energy into the team, allowing the Rossoneri to maintain a high intensity. Despite some defensive lapses, AC Milan were generally solid and managed the game well. Rossoneri fans can now look forward to the next match - at home to Empoli in the league - fully aware that the team continue to grow. Forza Milan!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SLOVAN BRATISLAVA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with AC Milan eager to impose their rhythm. In the 21st minute, Abraham played in Pulisic, who opened the scoring with a precise right-footed effort. However, Slovan Bratislava's response was swift: in the 24th minute, Barseghyan was set up by Savvidīs and equalised with a shot from the centre of the box. AC Milan continued to press, creating several chances but failing to make the most of them. The teams went into the break level after a first half where both sides had shown real intensity and a desire to win.
In the second half, AC Milan entered the pitch determined to secure three points. In the 68th minute, Leão restored the Rossoneri’s lead from a Fofana assist. Just a few minutes later, Abraham added a third (71’), which looked to have put the match to bed. However, Slovan Bratislava did not give up and reduced the deficit in the 88th minute through a long-range effort by Marcelli. The hosts, who were reduced to ten men following Tolić’s sending-off (90’), tried to apply pressure late on, but AC Milan remained composed at the back to come away with a valuable victory. It finished 3-2 to the Rossoneri, who left the pitch aware they’d produced a performance full of character.
MATCH DETAILS
SLOVAN BRATISLAVA 2-3 AC MILAN
SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (3-4-3): Takáč; Bajrič, Kashia, Voet (75' Marcelli); Blackman, Kucka (75' Tolić), Savvidīs (90'+4 Mak), Medveděv; Barseghyan, Strelec, Metsoko (66' Ihnatenko). Subs: Hrdina, Trnovský; Pauschek, Vojtko, Zuberu; Gajdoš, Mustafić, Szöke. Coach: Weiss.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria (75' E. Royal), Tomori, Pavlović, Hernández; Fofana (76' Musah), Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic (75' Loftus-Cheek), Okafor (46' Leão); Abraham (84' Camarda). Subs.: Sportiello, Torriani; Gabbia, Terracciano, Thiaw. Coach: Fonseca.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez.
Goals: 21' Pulisic (M), 24' Barseghyan (S), 68' Leão (M), 71' Abraham (M), 88' Marcelli (S).
Booked: 54' Chukwueze (M), 58' Calabria (M), 79' Tomori (M), 90' Bajrič (S), 90'+1' Tolić (S).
Sent-off: 90'+1 Tolić (S).
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