Liverpool edge AC Milan in classic Champions League tie
Atletico Madrid, Porto play out goalless draw
Liverpool defeated old rivals AC Milan 3-2 in their UEFA Champions League Group B opener in a first meeting between the sides in the competition since the 2007 final, which AC Milan won.
The Italian giants were without talismanic 39-year-old striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who scored on his first appearance in four months at the weekend before pulling up injured afterwards. AC Milan were returning to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in seven years.
Liverpool started the game against AC Milan in front of their home fans in the perfect manner as flying right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold saw his cross turned over the line by former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori after only nine minutes of the match.
Liverpool had the chance to double their advantage only five minutes later, but AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot with a fine save, and also turned the follow up behind for a corner.
The failure of the Reds to take their chances was punished in brilliant fashion by their visitors when a brilliant passing move by the Italians saw the ball end at the feet of Ante Rebic, and the Croatian striker made no mistake with his finish from inside the box in the 42nd minute.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester City midfielder Brahim Diaz gave AC Milan the lead against Liverpool only two minutes later to turn the match on its head. The Spaniard was on hand to tap in from less than a yard out after another good passing move from the Italians ended with a shot from Rebic that was stopped by Andy Robertson on the goal line.
Liverpool came into the second half with intent and a spring in their step, and they levelled matters within three minutes of the restart. Club legend Mohamed Salah atoned for his penalty miss as he got on the end of a brilliant ball over the top by Divock Origi before squeezing the ball into the back of the net from an awkward height. It was the Egyptian’s 72nd goal in 100 games at Anfield for Liverpool.
Liverpool took the lead against AC Milan in the 69th minute after a period of sustained pressure. A corner kick from Alexander-Arnold was headed half-clear by the AC Milan defence before Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson rifled home the a half-volley from the edge of the box to secure the win for the home side.
In the group’s other game, Spanish champions Atletico Madrid were held to a goalless draw by last season’s quarterfinalists FC Porto to share the points equally in the match.
