It was an undeserved defeat, the outcome of which was heavily influenced by various small moments on the pitch. But AC Milan came out of it with their heads held high and dominated the game for large swathes, scoring, resisting and digging deep against Atlético Madrid. It was a great performance, one replete with quality and heart and was well worthy of the Rossoneri's return to Champions League football at San Siro. Here are the starts from the 2-1 loss:
1- AC Milan played at San Siro in the Champions League for the first time in 2,778 days - 19 February 2014 against Atlético Madrid.
2- Rafael Leão scored AC Milan's first goal at home in the Champions League since Robinho in October 2013 against Barcelona. Leão is also the first Portuguese player in history to score in the Champions League for AC Milan.
3- Rafael Leão is the first Portuguese player in all competitions to score against Atlético Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo's hattrick in a Juventus shirt in the Champions League in March 2019.
4- Brahim Díaz grabbed his first assist in European club competitions.
5- Brahim Díaz is the youngest AC Milan to provide an assist in the Champions League since Stephan El Shaarawy in February 2013 against Barcelona (20 years, 116 days).
6- Ismaël Bennacer had more duels (4) and more recoveries (11) than any other AC Milan player in the game.
#BackHome, Capsule Collection: check out the new collection to celebrate our return to the Champions League!