Liverpool’s comeback win over AC Milan was a statement of intent in their UEFA Champions League campaign
After an early setback, the Reds showed resilience, quality, and tactical intelligence to secure a deserved 3-1 victory.
With standout performances from the likes of Szoboszlai, van Dijk, and Konate, Liverpool have set the tone for what they hope will be a successful run in Europe’s premier competition.
The achievements of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie on the opening night of the Champions League mark a new era for American soccer. No longer are U.S. players seen as outsiders in Europe’s top leagues; they are now integral parts of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The rise of American players in Europe is a testament to the progress made in U.S. soccer over the past two decades, and it offers a glimpse into an exciting future for the sport in the United States.
As American players continue to shine on the European stage, they are not only raising the profile of U.S. soccer but also inspiring a new generation of talent to pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.
The performances of Pulisic, McKennie, and others demonstrate that the future of American soccer is bright, both domestically and internationally.
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Table of Contents
Liverpool’s Strong Comeback: A 3-1 Win Over AC Milan
On Tuesday night, September 17, Liverpool marked a memorable start to their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro.1
In a game that featured a strong showing of resilience and tactical prowess, Liverpool came back from an early setback to secure a comfortable win.
The hosts, AC Milan, scored an early goal in the 3rd minute through Christian Pulisic, but Liverpool’s response was swift, equalizing in the 23rd minute and taking control of the game from that point onward.
With goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai, the visitors set the tone for a confident run in this year’s Champions League.
Pulisic’s Early Strike Gives Milan Hope
AC Milan’s hopes were ignited early on when Christian Pulisic found the back of the net in the 3rd minute. The move came from a well-worked attack down the right, where Rafael Leao picked up the ball and surged past Liverpool’s defense.
His cross into the box found Pulisic, who coolly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. It was the perfect start for Milan, as their fast-paced, high-pressing game immediately put Liverpool on the back foot.
Milan fans roared in approval, hoping this early advantage would set the tone for the rest of the game. However, the early goal seemed to spark Liverpool into action, and they began to settle into their rhythm as the game progressed.
Virgil van Dijk Restores Liverpool’s Advantage
As the first half wore on, Liverpool’s confidence grew, and they began to control proceedings with their midfield trio dictating the tempo.
Just before halftime, Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk made his presence felt on the attacking end. In the 41st minute, following a corner, the ball was worked to van Dijk, who rose highest to head home and give Liverpool the lead.
Van Dijk’s leadership at the back is well-known, but his contributions to set pieces are often vital as well. His ability to dominate in aerial duels is a constant threat to opponents, and his goal gave Liverpool the cushion they needed going into the second half.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s Finishing Touch
Liverpool continued their control in the second half, managing the game well and denying Milan any real chance of mounting a comeback.
The hosts struggled to break through Liverpool’s solid defensive setup, and as time wore on, the Reds looked more likely to extend their lead.
In the 67th minute, it was Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai who put the result beyond doubt. After some excellent work by Liverpool’s forwards to press Milan’s defense, Szoboszlai found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a well-placed shot into the bottom corner.
The goal capped off an impressive individual performance from Szoboszlai, who has been a revelation since joining Liverpool in the summer.
Tactical Masterclass: Klopp’s Game Plan
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp deserves immense credit for the way his side approached the game, particularly after going behind early. Klopp’s decision to stick to his attacking philosophy, even after conceding, paid off handsomely.
By maintaining high pressure and intensity, Liverpool gradually wore Milan down and created several goal-scoring opportunities.
Klopp’s tactical flexibility was also on display as he made key adjustments throughout the game. His substitutions added fresh legs to the midfield, helping Liverpool maintain their energy levels in the second half.
Players like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott were introduced at the right moments to ensure that Milan’s attempts at a late resurgence were comfortably dealt with.
Christian Pulisic: Liverpool’s Defensive Solidity
Despite the early goal, Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by van Dijk, stood firm throughout the rest of the match.2
Milan’s attacking threats, such as Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud, were largely kept at bay, with Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson putting in strong defensive shifts.
Alisson Becker, aside from the early goal, had little to do as Liverpool’s defense absorbed Milan’s attacking pressure.
Konate’s goal, coupled with his solid defensive performance, was a key highlight. His partnership with van Dijk looks increasingly assured, and his physicality and presence in the box were vital in thwarting Milan’s aerial attacks.
Milan’s Struggles in Midfield
One of the key reasons for Milan’s inability to capitalize on their early lead was their midfield’s struggles against Liverpool’s pressing game.
While Milan’s midfield trio of Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Yunus Musah tried to assert themselves, they were often overrun by Liverpool’s energy and movement.
Liverpool’s midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo worked tirelessly to win back possession and launch quick counter-attacks. Milan’s inability to cope with this pressure meant they spent much of the game chasing the ball, unable to mount sustained periods of possession.
Szoboszlai Shines in Midfield
The performance of Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the standout features of the match. Since his arrival at Liverpool, the Hungarian international has quickly settled into Klopp’s system, and his display against Milan was another reminder of his growing influence.
Szoboszlai’s goal was the highlight, but his overall play was just as impressive. He constantly found pockets of space in midfield, linked up play effectively, and was a constant threat going forward.
His vision, passing range, and ability to drive at defenders make him a key asset in Liverpool’s midfield.
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Christian Pulisic: Impact at AC Milan
- Christian Pulisic’s rise in European football has been meteoric.3
- The Pennsylvania-born winger has long been seen as the face of U.S. soccer in Europe, and his latest performance in the Champions League has further solidified his reputation.
- Pulisic, now 26, began his career with Borussia Dortmund in Germany, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
- His move to Chelsea in 2019 elevated him to a larger stage, where he became the first American player to play and win in a Champions League final in 2021.
- Pulisic’s move to AC Milan before the start of the 2023-2024 season was seen as a fresh chapter in his career after a mixed tenure at Chelsea. In his debut season with Milan, he adapted well to Italian football, scoring 15 goals across all competitions.
- On the opening night of the 2024-2025 Champions League, Pulisic’s early strike against Liverpool set the tone for a thrilling encounter.
- Linking up with teammate Alvaro Morata, Pulisic burst down the right wing and drilled a shot into the far corner of the net, showcasing his sharp attacking instincts and technical ability.
- The goal not only gave Milan an early advantage but also underscored Pulisic’s ability to make an impact in high-stakes matches.
- For Pulisic, this performance was another reminder of his importance to the Milan squad as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Weston McKennie’s Revival at Juventus
Weston McKennie’s journey in Europe has been one of perseverance and adaptability. Unlike Pulisic, McKennie did not join a European club from an early age but instead moved to German club Schalke 04 from the FC Dallas academy.
His performances at Schalke earned him a move to Juventus in 2020, where he has since become a vital cog in the midfield of one of Italy’s most storied clubs.
McKennie’s versatility and work ethic have made him a key player for Juventus, whether operating as a central midfielder or in a more advanced role. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an asset, and this was evident in Juventus’ Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven.
McKennie scored Juventus’ second goal in a 3-1 victory, finishing off a well-executed counter-attack with precision.
After a turbulent 2023-2024 season in which McKennie was loaned out to Leeds United, his return to Juventus this season has been marked by a renewed sense of purpose. The goal against PSV exemplified his determination to establish himself as a regular starter under coach Massimiliano Allegri.
For both Juventus and McKennie, this campaign represents an opportunity to reclaim past glories, and McKennie’s performance on the opening night suggests he is more than capable of helping the club achieve its ambitions.
Christian Pulisic: Influence of American Players in European Competitions
The contributions of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie on the opening night of the Champions League are a testament to the growing influence of American players in European competitions.
Historically, the USMNT has struggled to produce players who could compete at the highest level of club football, but this narrative has changed significantly in recent years.
One of the key factors behind this shift is the improved development pathways available to young American players. Major League Soccer (MLS) academies have become increasingly professionalized, and more U.S. players are being scouted and signed by European clubs at a younger age.
This trend has allowed players like Pulisic and McKennie to develop their skills in world-class environments and gain invaluable experience in Europe’s top leagues.
Another factor is the increase in visibility and marketability of American players. The success of Pulisic, McKennie, and others has not only inspired the next generation of U.S. players but has also made European clubs more willing to invest in American talent. Clubs now recognize the potential of U.S. players, both in terms of performance and commercial appeal.
The Legacy of American Success in Europe
While Pulisic and McKennie are currently leading the charge for U.S. players in Europe, they are part of a broader legacy of American success in European football. Players like Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Brad Friedel paved the way for the current generation by proving that American players could succeed at the highest level.
Dempsey, in particular, remains one of the most successful U.S. outfield players in Europe, with a storied career in the English Premier League.
Tim Howard’s success as a goalkeeper for Manchester United and Everton also played a crucial role in changing perceptions of American talent in Europe. Howard’s longevity and leadership in one of the world’s most competitive leagues showed that U.S. players could be consistent performers at the highest level.
Today, American players are more than just contributors—they are leaders and key performers for their clubs. Pulisic’s success at Chelsea and now AC Milan, combined with McKennie’s influence at Juventus, continues to elevate the status of U.S. players in Europe.
Christian Pulisic: Brand Ambassador
Christian Pulisic teamed up with Degree, the perfume and body spray brand and also became the brand ambassador.
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Future Prospects for U.S. Players in Europe
Looking ahead, the future of American players in Europe looks brighter than ever. The continued investment in youth development in the U.S., coupled with the growing reputation of American players abroad, suggests that more U.S. players will follow in the footsteps of Pulisic and McKennie.
There are already several young American players making waves in Europe, such as Giovanni Reyna at Borussia Dortmund and Yunus Musah at Valencia.
Both players are expected to play significant roles for their clubs in the coming seasons, and their performances will likely attract even more attention to U.S. talent.
The success of players like Pulisic and McKennie also bodes well for the USMNT as they prepare for major international tournaments. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the U.S. will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament.
Having key players like Pulisic and McKennie performing at the highest level in Europe will be crucial to the national team’s chances of success.
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