For Arne Slot, this was a memorable introduction.
And if Slot’s first Champions League match as manager of Liverpool is any indication, this European run is going to be a really rough one. Liverpool used a fast-paced style of play, coming back from a 167-second deficit to defeat one of the greatest teams in European history.
Even if this AC Milan team is very different from what it once was, Slot nevertheless achieved an incredible feat and established a precedent for his rule. Liverpool has a strong history of winning this competition six times, hence every manager at the club is evaluated based on their record in Europe. Rafa Benitez, the mastermind of the Istanbul miracle, was honored as a guest of honor in the San Siro, while his predecessor Jurgen Klopp emerged victorious.
Slot, who turned 46 on Tuesday, is a relative newbie having played in the Champions League for just one season with his former team, Feyenoord. However, this seemed like a certain method to win the hearts and minds of Liverpool supporters. The devoted group of tourists amidst the decaying ruins of San Siro enjoyed an unforgettable evening.
The stadium remains one of the most famous football stadiums in Europe, and Liverpool lived up to the occasion with a ferocious, daring performance that was as boisterous as Klopp’s heavy metal style of play. Two headers from close range were scored by Liverpool’s center backs, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, after set pieces that were supplied by full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas.
The most of the damage was caused by the defenders, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal was exactly what his boss needed to hear when he indicated the offensive midfielder needed to up his output. Mo Salah was nearly unplayable at times and hit the bar twice; he could have had a hat trick on another night.
For AC Milan, Liverpool was just too good, too quick, and too strong. If this is an indication of the revamped Champions League structure, Liverpool will undoubtedly enjoy the major events.
Liverpool did had a terrible start to it. Christian Pulisic was given plenty of room by Alvaro Morata’s deft flick since left defender Tsimikas was out of position. In less than three minutes, Pulisic struck a low shot into the bottom corner.
Coincidentally, Slot faced some backlash for not switching up his rotation more during Liverpool’s Saturday home loss to Nottingham Forest. However, Tsimikas replaced Andy Robertson and was quickly exposed. You can’t always win.
The truly remarkable aspect of Liverpool’s performance, though, was how they never gave up and quickly rallied to seize control of the match. After twenty-three minutes, Liverpool was tied.
Davide Calabria, the captain of Milan, was booked for a foul. Konate’s header into the net after Alexander-Arnold’s fantastic free kick created havoc in the box.
Then, forty-one minutes later, the visitors advanced. Van Dijk was there to smash home from point blank range as Tsimikas’ corner from the right looped in. The situation for Milan deteriorated when youngster Lorenzo Torriani, 19, made his debut in place of injured goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
After Cody Gakpo led a charge and Szoboszlai, another outstanding player, drove in his pull back, Liverpool scored a third goal and essentially won the game after 67 minutes.
