AC Milan edged past Slovan Bratislava in a dramatic 3-2 UEFA Champions League (UCL) victory, securing their third consecutive European win. The Rossoneri dominated much of the game, though the Slovakian hosts, still searching for their first point in this campaign, gave a spirited fight. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this enthralling encounter.
First Half: Milan Strike First, Slovan Hit Back
Fresh from their commanding victory over Real Madrid, AC Milan carried confidence into the match. Despite being bottom of the group, Slovan Bratislava’s determination was evident early on. After 15 minutes, David Strelec came agonizingly close to opening the scoring, rounding Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan before his effort was heroically cleared off the line by Strahinja Pavlović.
This close call jolted Milan into action, with Christian Pulisic stepping up as the man of the moment. He tested Slovan keeper Dominik Takáč with a sharp near-post save before finding the net minutes later. A swift counter-attack saw Pulisic fire a low, clinical shot into the bottom corner to hand Milan a deserved lead.
However, Slovan, undeterred by their underdog status, responded almost immediately. Tigran Barseghyan took advantage of a disorganized Milan defense, slicing through the backline and lifting an exquisite finish over Maignan to level the scores. The equalizer rejuvenated the hosts, leaving Milan struggling to regain control as the first half ended.
Second Half: Substitutions Turn the Tide for Milan
Paulo Fonseca’s tactical changes after the break proved decisive. Introducing Rafael Leão for Noah Okafor added a fresh attacking dimension to Milan’s play. While Slovan initially held their defensive shape, their porous backline—having already conceded eight goals at home in the group stage—eventually gave way.
Leão wasted no time making an impact. Seizing Youssouf Fofana’s defense-splitting pass, he restored Milan’s lead with a precise finish past Takáč. Three minutes later, Tammy Abraham capitalized on a misplaced pass from Strelec, slotting Milan’s third goal and seemingly putting the game to bed.
Late Drama: Slovan’s Fightback Falls Short
As the clock ticked towards full time, Slovan found a glimmer of hope. Nino Marcelli unleashed a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner in the 88th minute, reducing the deficit and igniting the home crowd. However, any momentum was swiftly extinguished when Marko Tolić was quickly sent off for two reckless challenges, leaving the hosts with ten men.
Milan held firm in the closing stages, sealing a victory that solidified their position in the group and left them within touching distance of automatic qualification for the knockout phase.
What This Means for AC Milan
This victory marks Milan’s third consecutive European win, which they last achieved in February 2023. The Rossoneri now sit in a strong position in the group standings, showcasing their pedigree as one of Europe’s elite teams. For Slovan, the loss extends their winless run in European competitions to eight games, highlighting their challenges at this level.
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Conclusion
AC Milan’s victory over Slovan Bratislava showcased the team’s resilience and attacking depth. While Slovan fought bravely, their defensive frailties proved costly against a clinical Milan side. As the UCL group stage nears its climax, fans can expect more drama, twists, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more action, and remember to place your bets with BangSports for an elevated football experience.