In a pre-season friendly that defied its exhibition status, AC Milan delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive 4-2 victory over English Premier League giants Liverpool in Hong Kong. This wasn`t merely a casual kickabout; it was a compelling statement from the Rossoneri, showcasing a tactical maturity and attacking verve that promises a refreshing departure from their `2024-25 season to forget`.
A Tactical Masterclass Unfolds
Under the stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, Milan’s approach was both measured and incisive. Opting for a compact 5-4-1 formation, identical to their previous friendly against Arsenal, the Rossoneri ceded possession to Liverpool but transformed into a lethal counter-attacking unit. This tactical discipline paid dividends, with Milan generating a surprising eight potential scoring opportunities in the first half alone.
The breakthrough came courtesy of the electric Rafael Leao. Launched by Christian Pulisic, Leao embarked on a blistering solo run, evading Virgil van Dijk`s desperate challenge before unleashing a precise left-footed diagonal shot past Alisson Becker. It was a goal of exquisite quality, dedicated poignantly to the memory of Diogo Jota, with the stadium and club paying tribute to the late player. Milan’s lead was no accident, built on earlier efforts from Pulisic and Leao himself, testing Alisson`s reflexes.
Liverpool, despite a furious reaction, found their equalizer through a fortunate deflection that set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a powerful strike. Yet, Milan remained unperturbed, maintaining their defensive shape and denying the Reds significant inroads. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial save from Ngumoha, but the clearest chances continued to fall to Allegri’s men, who, despite some squandered counter-attacks, forced more heroics from Alisson.
Second Half Surge: Okafor`s Double Delight
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides, with Liverpool rotating heavily and bringing on many second-string players, including Salah and Van Dijk. However, it was Allegri`s strategic changes that proved truly impactful. Milan`s momentum escalated dramatically, highlighted by a spectacular 2-1 goal from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, once again orchestrated by a magnificent surging run from Rafael Leao.
The Rossoneri then extended their lead further when Noah Okafor clinically converted an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers, making it 3-1. This period showcased a Milan side playing with fluidity and confidence, exposing the relative weaknesses of a Liverpool team perhaps guilty of underestimating their Italian opponents. Allegri continued to introduce fresh legs, including new signing Estupinan, and the team`s defensive structure remained largely impenetrable, even with Pietro Terracciano replacing Maignan in goal.
Liverpool managed to pull one back late in injury time through Cody Gakpo, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. But Milan`s response was immediate and emphatic. Seizing on a defensive error, Okafor pounced to net his second goal of the match, sealing a resounding 4-2 victory.
Key Takeaways: Allegri`s Blueprint and Renewed Morale
This comprehensive win is far more than just a pre-season statistic; it`s a testament to the visible impact of Massimiliano Allegri’s return. The team displayed a clear tactical identity, a structured approach, and a newfound defensive resilience that was notably lacking in their recent past. Key individual performances underpinned this collective success:
- Rafael Leao: Operated brilliantly as a central forward, proving unplayable with his pace, vision, and decisive contributions. His transition to this role appears seamless and highly effective.
- Noah Okafor: His brace highlighted a striker with clinical precision and excellent predatory instincts, suggesting he could be a vital asset.
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek: A midfield powerhouse, displaying both defensive solidity and dynamic attacking runs.
- The Defensive Unit: Showed reduced suffering compared to previous outings, holding their lines and remaining disciplined under pressure. The presence of Ricci in front of the defense provided an important shield.
While pre-season results should always be taken with a grain of salt, this performance injects a substantial dose of confidence and enthusiasm into the Milan camp. After a 2024-25 season best left forgotten, the Rossoneri are heading to Australia for the next leg of their tour with significantly lighter spirits and a renewed sense of purpose. For Liverpool, it`s perhaps a harsh reminder that even pre-season friendlies demand full attention, especially against a Milan side eager to prove its resurgence.
