Milan-Bruges 3-1, Pulisic opens and Reijnders closes: first points in the Champions League, Camarda record

Milan, 22 October 2024 - First roar in AC Milan Champions League which, after the defeats against Liverpool and Leverkusen, takes its first (very heavy) steps in the standings. The usual decisive one Pulisic Besides ReindersFonseca's changes (both during the match and as a surprise) were also decisive.

As with Udinese, the Portuguese basically chooses the 4-3-3 with Loftus-Cheek on the same line as Reijnders (and Fofana to protect them). Will to attack, will to be consistent. The start is scary, except for a few flashes from Leao: 5-0 the conclusions count in favor of the Belgians, above all the crossbar kissed by Ordonez with a shot from outside. The rest is taken care of by a Maignan version "magic mike".

Then, the Rossoneri take back the ball. Possession with a measured, conservative rhythm, waiting for the gap that, however, is created only thanks to the initial sharpness of Leao. Bruges then, in the defensive phase, positions itself with five and contains the department, absorbing and above all restarting with the pace of those who do not tremble in the presence of San Siro.

Fan strike

An atypical San Siro: no banners, no flags (in protest against the Gos ban on displaying especially the one in the Curva Sud Milano) and not even chants, given the further joint protest with the Milan Clubs for the high price of tickets ("We are not cash cows"(the press release states).

At the right moment, however, the roar arrives. On the corner, coming back from Pulisic, in fact, Morata and Gabbia jump, but only graze the ball: thanks to the "flicker" of Mignolet, Thus, the American scores his seventh goal of the season.

The turning point

The air is changing, indeed: also because Reijnders is stepping on it Look it is discovered by the VAR and is worth the red for the Brugge midfielder. Advantage and numerical superiority: almost unbelievable. Milan believes it and starts managing like a big: maneuver, maneuver, maneuver and some bites.

In the second half, however, the management goes to hell: the ball from one side to the other (Tzolis-Jashari) for the new arrival Sabbe who threads the ball into the far post. The ghosts return, Fonseca chases them away with a heavy double substitution: Leao (who was positive anyway) is out and Loftus Cheek (quite the opposite) and inside the protagonists of last Saturday, Okay e Chukwueze.

Re-overtaking

A handful of seconds later, the Swiss player makes the right move, with the ball then going to the centre for the Reijnders' "flat" 2-1. And it's not over, because Chukwueze (definitely inspired) also flies away to the opposite side. Same outcome: ball in the center for the Reijnders verdict.

The record

So, you can give an emotion to Francesco Camarda: becoming the youngest Italian ever to debut in the Champions League (16 years, 7 months and 12 days). The record belonged to Moise Kean with Juventus (16 years, 8 months and 25 days). Then the 80th minute strikes. And just like against Udinese, the Curva starts singing again and San Siro returns to its usual cauldron.

Actually, more. Because Camarda (almost) scores poker: canceled, he would have also been the youngest ever to score in the Champions League. It will come in the future. And we start singing again. There are the first three points in the Champions League to celebrate. For a team that, after having risen in the championship, also does so in Europe.