AC Milan secured their third consecutive Champions League victory with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday. Despite a late surge from the home side, Milan managed to hold on for the three points, which bolstered their position at the top of the group standings.
The win follows their impressive 3-1 triumph over Real Madrid, while Slovan continued to struggle, having suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in their previous outing.
The first half saw both teams trade early blows. Milan took the lead in the 21st minute when Christian Pulisic latched onto a through ball from Tammy Abraham and delivered a precise finish into the far corner.
However, Slovan quickly responded three minutes later with Tigran Barseghyan racing through Milan’s midfield on a solo counterattack before lofting a cool finish past the advancing Maignan. The teams went into halftime level, with Slovan proving they were not to be underestimated.
In the second half, Milan introduced Rafael Leão, who made an immediate impact. In the 68th minute, Leão slotted home after Youssouf Fofana’s well-placed pass found him unmarked. Just three minutes later, a defensive blunder from David Strelec gifted Tammy Abraham an easy opportunity to extend Milan’s lead.
Despite the setback, Slovan kept fighting and pulled one back in the 88th minute with a long-range effort from Nino Marcelli. However, their momentum was stunted when Marko Tolic received a late red card for dissent.
While Slovan mounted a valiant effort, they remain at the bottom of the group without a point. Milan, now with nine points, have solidified their position as group leaders. Their resilience amid late drama and their ability to capitalize on key moments proved crucial in a match that showcased the fighting spirit of both teams.
ADD A COMMENT :