In a thrilling pre-season clash in Hong Kong SAR, AC Milan outplayed Liverpool 4-2, delivering an action-packed night that had fans on the edge of their seats! ⚽️🔥
From the very start, AC Milan set the tone. Early on, Rafael Leao capitalized on a swift pass from Christian Pulisic to give Milan an early lead. The energy was high as Dominik Szoboszlai evened the score with a curling shot, a moment reminiscent of the fast-paced tech and startup scenes in vibrant cities like Bangalore or Jakarta.
The second half cranked up the intensity. A well-timed counter-attack by Leao, followed by a perfect setup for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, put Milan back in control. Noah Okafor then added another goal in the 60th minute, sealing the deal. Amidst the high-octane action, a touching tribute was made before the match when former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath, and players donned "Diogo J 20" on their shirts to honor late teammate Diogo Jota.
Liverpool, featuring record signing Florian Wirtz in his first start, struggled to find their rhythm. Manager Arne Slot noted that missing several senior players meant they had to field many young talents out of position, leading to defensive vulnerabilities. Despite late goals from Cody Gakpo and another from Okafor following a mix-up, the Italian side's proactive spirit shone through.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri praised the team's proactive attitude and highlighted the growing maturity of key players like Leao. With upcoming fixtures, including a match against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and a Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15, both teams have plenty to look forward to this season.
This pre-season showdown not only delivered thrilling football but also resonated with the passion of fans across South and Southeast Asia, proving that great sport transcends borders and unites diverse cultures in the universal language of football.
Reference(s):
AC Milan defeat Liverpool 4-2 in pre-season friendly in Hong Kong SAR
cgtn.com
