Explore the highlights of Milan’s 3-1 triumph over ten-man Brugge, featuring Reijnders’ impressive double that secured the team’s victory in style.
Introduction:
It would go down in history as one of the most thrilling games of the UEFA Champions League at San Siro on 22nd October, 2024 but AC Milan could only reduce their dismal season into the three points they needed, which came at the end-3-1 against Club Brugge. San Siro was packed with excellent performances, dramatic moments, and a golf of goals after being dominated by Brugge by a ten man outfit when Milan managed to hold onto their game and secure crucial victory. That would become the day Tijjani Reijnders became the hero for Milan, scoring twice in the last 11 minutes of the tie.
See also: Thuram’s Last-Minute Strike Lifts Inter 1-0 Over Resilient Young Boys
Milan Dominates Early Possession with Pulisic’s Corner Goal
AC Milan got off to the right start, a plan of utilizing Christian Pulisic’s playmaking prowess to the benefit of the team. In the opening stages of the game, Brugge experimented with the defense of Milan with a through ball from Hans Vanaken to Christos Tzolis as his shot was saved by Mike Maignan. The latter then made another heroic save from Tzolis’ attempt in curling, tipping it away with precision.
Brugge’s attack-minded tactics seemed to be a portent of an enthralling match. Milan’s attacking skills were well shown by Rafael Leao, who ran behind several defenders to open up some space. With Pulisic scoring a corner that had crossed Brugge’s Simon Mignolet’s hands and gotten into the net, the Milan team was now ahead. This was Pulisic’s second goal in the Champions League this season and added more pressure on the home team.
See also: Martinelli’s Shot Forces Own Goal as Arsenal Wins 1-0 Against Shakhtar
Red Card Flips the Script for Club Brugge
Things however very quickly took a disastrous turn for Club Brugge as a serious tackle by Brugge number 15 saw him receive a straight red card meaning that Brugge were sent to play the rest of the game with only ten men. This changed the dynamics of the game giving Milan the upper hand in control and possession of play. Brugge however did not give up and tested the nerves of Maignan.
With one man less, Brugge intensified their defensive setup on the pitch, and actually only used counter-attacks to open up space. On the left, Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández worked together, meaning that Milan needed to enter the Brugge half more often. Mignolet was put to a serious test yet Brugge also showed respectable resistance, keeping the pressure up and hopefully equalizing.
Brugge Equalizer: Sabbe Scores Precisely
Early in the second half, Brugge launched a swift counter-attack. Recent substitute Vetlesen set up Kyriani Sabbe, who drilled a precise first-time shot past Maignan, levelling the score. Milan had been dominating after the red card incident, but this equaliser took Milan by surprise. The people of Brugge were elated as their team fought to remain competitive despite the odds.
Sabbe’s equalizer rejuvenated Brugge’s spirits, and they kept on their efforts to be rewarded with more chances. Centre-back Ordoñez was inches from sending Brugge into the lead with a very powerful effort from distance that rattled off the crossbar. The near-goal added a cutting edge to the match as Milan began to understand that Brugge were not as watered-down after being behind in the score.
Reijnders’s clinical finish:
In reply, Milan coach Stefano Fonseca looked to Okafor and Chukwueze for some much-needed impetus through crucial substitutions. It proved a decisive one as Okafor broke free on the left run, cutting it back to Reijnders, who calmly slotted the ball inside the net. Reijnders’s clinical finish gave Milan the lead, and with resistance broken, Brugge suffered a jolt that might just shake them up for some more time to come.
Reijnders’s Double:
Milans substitutions once more bore fruit minutes later, although this time in the form of Chukwueze, who stretched right down the side, beat a few defenders at pace to get into the box, and then, from close range found Reijnders and his second. Double for Reijnders; double damage for Milan now leaving no way back for Real Sociedad. It was a quick strike in the final moments that underlined Milan’s depth and the tactical value of well-timed changes.
16-Year-Old Francesco Camarda’s Debut: A Milestone for Milan
Adding a historical moment to the night Milan introduced 16-year-old Francesco Camarda, one of the most promising youngsters in their youth ranks. Camarda became one of the youngest Italian players ever to take the field of play for the UEFA Champions League, and the teenager was warmly received by the San Siro crowd as the club progresses on their role as nurturing homegrown talent.
Camarda’s entry was an inspiration to Milan’s fans and a symbol of hope towards the club’s future. Milan has both aged experience and promising young players, and together, they are well equipped for any upcoming challenge.
Milan Triumph: Critical for Knockout Rounds
For all the tenacity of Club Brugge, especially after the red card, experience and sharp substitutions by Milan ensured that they walked off with victory. Reijnders’s two-goal outburst goes to the agenda of key moments in the European matches.
Conclusion:
However, for Club Brugge, that was a disappointing loss but shows some fighting spirit. They fought well, especially Tzolis and Sabbe, who give hope to this Champions League campaign. For Milan, this win will bring much-needed points and momentum for securing their place in the knockout stages.