Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Goals and Highlights
AC Milan beat Liverpool 4-2 in a thrilling pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. This high-octane match, part of Liverpool’s Asia pre-season tour, had it all – goals and standout performances, especially from AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
AC Milan Scores First
Christian Pulisic found Rafael Leao on the left, and Leao beat Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and smashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle, 1-0. That set the tone for Milan’s attack and exposed Liverpool’s defence.
Liverpool Equalises
Liverpool replied in the 26th minute with a beauty. 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha beat Fikayo Tomori with some nice footwork and passed to Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder took a touch and curled a stunning shot into the top-right corner, 1-1. The Reds’ fans in Hong Kong went wild as Szoboszlai’s goal showed Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Milan Regains Lead
After a competitive first half, AC Milan scored again in the 52nd minute. Leao was at it again, driving forward and setting up former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The midfielder slotted the ball past Liverpool’s substitute goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 2-1. Seven minutes later, in the 59th minute, Alexis Saelemaekers ran down the right and crossed for Noah Okafor, who scored a clinical finish, 3-1.
Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan
Liverpool pushed late on. In the 90+3rd minute, Ibrahima Konaté delivered a great cross and Cody Gakpo headed in to make it 3-2. But their hopes of a comeback were short-lived. In the 90+4th minute, Kostas Tsimikas’ backpass to Mamardashvili went awry and Okafor tapped into an empty net to seal the 4-2 win for Milan.
Key Players
Rafael Leao was the man of the match with his goal and assist. He caused problems for Liverpool’s defence all night. For Liverpool, new signings Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong looked good, but defensive mistakes will be a worry for Arne Slot. The match also paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with a 20th-minute applause, adding some emotion to the night.
Next Up
This defeat will be a valuable lesson for Liverpool as they prepare for their next friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos. AC Milan will face Perth Glory next.
Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Goals and Highlights.
