AC Milan secured a vital 3-1 victory against Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League group stage encounter on October 22, 2024. The Rossoneri, playing at home in front of a packed San Siro, dominated the proceedings and strengthened their position in the competition.
First-Half Action
Milan wasted no time in asserting their control, with Rafael Leão opening the scoring in the 18th minute. The Portuguese forward latched onto a precise through ball from Christian Pulisic, slotting it past the Brugge goalkeeper to give Milan an early lead. Leão’s pace and finishing proved too much for the Belgian defense, setting the tone for the match.
Despite Milan’s dominance, Club Brugge found a way back into the game, leveling the score in the 36th minute. Brugge’s equalizer came from a well-executed corner, with their striker rising high to power a header past Milan’s Mike Maignan. The Belgian side showed resilience, but Milan’s superiority was never in doubt.
Milan’s Response
The second half saw Milan regroup, and within minutes, they were back in front. Christian Pulisic, who was pivotal throughout the game, scored Milan’s second goal in the 58th minute. The American winger took advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap in from close range, restoring Milan’s lead and putting them firmly in control.
As the game progressed, Olivier Giroud added a third for Milan in the 72nd minute. The French veteran displayed his clinical finishing skills, receiving a cross from Davide Calabria and heading it into the back of the net. Giroud’s goal effectively sealed the match, as Club Brugge struggled to mount any significant comeback.
Key Takeaways
This win puts AC Milan in a strong position in their group, as they aim for a deep run in this season’s Champions League. With standout performances from Leão, Pulisic, and Giroud, Milan’s attack looks formidable. Club Brugge, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds hang in the balance.
Milan’s ability to control the game and create chances will give manager Stefano Pioli confidence as the competition progresses. Their next fixtures will be crucial in determining their fate in Europe’s elite tournament.
For Club Brugge, this defeat serves as a reminder of the gap between them and Europe’s elite clubs, but there is still time to recover and fight for qualification in the group.
