Champions League Clash: AC Milan Seizes Redemption with 2-1 Victory Over PSG
The UEFA Champions League made its return on Tuesday, featuring the fourth matchday of the group stage. The highlight of the day was the clash between AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain at San Siro. AC Milan was eager to avenge their previous 3-0 defeat at the hands of PSG.
The game started with PSG taking an early lead, with Milan Skriniar heading in a corner from the right side, paying a symbolic tribute to his former club Inter.
Marquinhos deflected the ball at the near post, and Skriniar capitalized on it with a close-range header, giving PSG a 1-0 lead. This marked Skriniar’s third goal in 36 UEFA Champions League matches and his first of the current season.
However, PSG’s joy was short-lived, as AC Milan quickly responded. Rafael Leao played a pivotal role, initiating a decisive play.
The Portuguese forward made a strong central run and set up Olivier Giroud on the left.
Although Donnarumma made an excellent save on Giroud’s left-footed strike, Leao showcased his athleticism with a stunning acrobatic bicycle kick to level the score at 1-1.
This was AC Milan’s first goal in the UEFA Champions League this season, and Leao’s third in 20 Champions League appearances.
The first half featured notable performances from Leao and Loftus-Cheek, while Mbappé seemed relatively quiet, and Dembélé appeared somewhat clumsy. The half ended with the score tied at 1-1.
After the break, PSG continued to assert themselves, but their inability to finish their chances proved costly.
A play that originated from the Milan penalty area saw Theo Hernandez receiving the ball on the left after a Pulisic cross.
The Frenchman provided a cross, which Giroud met with a powerful header, defeating Skriniar in the air and putting AC Milan in front at 2-1. This marked Giroud’s first goal in this season’s UEFA Champions League and his 25th overall in 65 appearances in this prestigious competition.
The remainder of the match did not witness significant twists and turns, despite the changes made by PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique.
Stefano Pioli and his team managed to secure their lead and held on for a final score of 2-1.
AC Milan revived their hopes in Group F, while Paris Saint-Germain raised concerns about their performance in the tournament.
Source: Infos-sports