2024-09-19 00:35:02
In an impressive display, Liverpool overcame AC Milan 3-1 in the Champions League at San Siro, showcasing their dominance in European football. The post-match analysis, shared by Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett on the Post-Match RAW podcast, gave fans insight into the Reds’ performance. Their breakdown revealed how Liverpool controlled the game, despite some challenges. Here’s a closer look at what transpired.
Liverpool’s Performance in Milan
Liverpool entered the match determined to make amends for their recent struggles. Hendrick quickly noted that while “we weren’t great, but we were good,” the team’s collective performance was enough to beat most sides in the competition. Despite an early setback, Liverpool displayed remarkable composure and grew into the game. As Hendrick put it, “only our own laziness and sloppiness invited them in a couple of times.”
The early stages saw AC Milan score first through Pulisic, but Liverpool’s response was controlled and professional. As Downey reflected, “It felt like we were just superior to them in almost every way,” highlighting the Reds’ tactical discipline in overcoming Milan’s physicality. While their opponents showed early promise, Liverpool’s steady pressure began to wear down their resistance.
Key Moments and Tactical Brilliance
Liverpool’s first equaliser came in the 23rd minute with Ibrahima Konaté rising above everyone to meet Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick. Downey described it as Konaté looking “like a man amongst children.” From that point, Liverpool seized control, with Konaté’s header marking a crucial turning point in the game. Karl Matchett noted how Liverpool “kept the pressure on, playing the same way we did from the start.”
The second half saw Liverpool continue their dominance, with constant chances created by the likes of Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. However, there were moments of frustration, particularly with Diogo Jota’s finishing, which Hendrick didn’t shy away from criticising: “Jota… it’s one of the worst finishes you’ll ever see.” Despite these hiccups, Liverpool remained composed.
The standout moment came with Szoboszlai’s goal in the 66th minute, expertly set up by Gakpo. Szoboszlai’s cool side-footed volley epitomized Liverpool’s dominance. Hendrick praised the goal as “picture postcard,” encapsulating the Reds’ ability to turn defense into attack.
Milan’s Struggles and Zlatan’s Influence
While Liverpool were focused, AC Milan appeared disjointed and out of sync. Hendrick pointed out that Milan’s captain, Davide Calabria, was “a cart horse of a player” compared to the legendary captains of Milan’s past like Maldini. Milan’s internal struggles were evident throughout the match. As Hendrick and Matchett discussed, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s off-field influence was a point of contention within the Milan camp. “Zlatan’s behavior… and the weird comments he made before the game” left the team in a confused state, adding to their troubles.
Milan’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and their disorganized defense allowed Liverpool to dominate. Their best efforts came early, with Downey remarking that after the opening goal, Milan “offered nothing at all” for the remainder of the game.
Liverpool’s Future in the Champions League
The Reds now sit comfortably after this crucial away victory, and the podcast team agreed that the result has set them up for success in the group stages. Matchett noted, “It feels like this one away win means we can take it relatively comfortably.” With matches against weaker sides like Sturm Graz and home fixtures remaining, Liverpool are poised to progress smoothly.
As Hendrick pointed out, this was a critical win for Liverpool. “This was probably our toughest away game,” he said, emphasizing that the team had put themselves in a strong position to advance further in the competition. The win has not only boosted confidence within the squad but has also reaffirmed Liverpool’s status as serious contenders in Europe.
Liverpool’s 3-1 win against AC Milan was a showcase of tactical mastery, patience, and sheer quality. As discussed by Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett, the team demonstrated resilience after going behind early. This victory cements Liverpool’s strong start in the Champions League group stages, and the squad’s performance has set the tone for what could be a successful European campaign.
