In what was billed as a high-profile pre-season friendly, AC Milan delivered an emphatic statement, outplaying Premier League champions Liverpool with a commanding 4-2 victory at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. While the purists might dismiss pre-season as mere glorified training sessions, the Rossoneri`s performance offered far more than just fitness drills, hinting at a renewed tactical clarity and a squad eager to put a challenging previous season behind them.
Milan`s First Half Flair and Tactical Discipline
The atmosphere in Hong Kong was electric, a perfect backdrop for what promised to be an intriguing clash between European giants. AC Milan, sporting their distinctive yellow away kit, demonstrated a remarkable blend of tactical discipline and lethal counter-attacking prowess from the outset. Under the guidance of coach Stefano Pioli, who was surely pleased with his squad’s early showing, Milan willingly conceded possession to Liverpool, adopting a compact 5-4-1 formation. This defensive block proved incredibly effective, suffocating Liverpool`s creative avenues while laying the groundwork for swift, incisive transitions.
The breakthrough arrived courtesy of none other than Rafael Leao. Launched by a precise pass from Christian Pulisic, the Portuguese forward showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing, sprinting past Virgil van Dijk before unleashing a diagonal left-footed shot that left Alisson with no chance. It was a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone, and a goal fittingly dedicated to the memory of Diogo Jota, honored by both clubs and the stadium with a heartfelt tribute. Milan’s lead was no fluke, with Pulisic and Leao himself forcing saves from Alisson earlier.
Liverpool, predictably, responded with fury. Their equalizer, a superb strike from Dominik Szoboszlai, arrived after a fortuitous rebound off Ngumoha, but it was a moment of quality that underscored the Reds` individual threat. Yet, Milan refused to be demoralized. The team maintained its structural integrity, preventing Liverpool from truly dictating terms, and continued to carve out opportunities on the counter, with Alisson having to be alert to deny another Pulisic effort.
Second Half Showcase: Okafor`s Brace Seals the Deal
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides, as is customary in pre-season. Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduced a raft of changes, opting to rest key figures like Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk, while Allegri also injected fresh legs. And it was Milan’s reinforcements, notably Noah Okafor, who made the decisive impact.
Before Okafor’s heroics, Ruben Loftus-Cheek added a spectacular second goal for Milan, a powerful finish set up by another dazzling run from Leao. The synergy between Leao and Loftus-Cheek was evident, signaling a promising partnership for the season ahead. Okafor then further extended Milan`s lead to 3-1, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from Alexis Saelemaekers.
This period highlighted Liverpool`s reliance on their main starters, as their second string struggled to contain Milan’s organized attacks. The Rossoneri, despite facing a team of Liverpool`s caliber, maintained their disciplined approach, proving difficult to break down. Even as Cody Gakpo managed to pull one back for Liverpool late in the game, making it 3-2, Milan`s resilience shone through. Almost immediately, Okafor seized upon a defensive error from Liverpool to complete his brace, restoring Milan`s two-goal cushion and sealing a comprehensive 4-2 victory.
The Allegri Effect and a Morale Boost
This pre-season triumph over a formidable opponent like Liverpool is more than just a friendly win; it`s a significant morale boost and a strong indication of Stefano Pioli`s influence. The team displayed a clear understanding of its tactical objectives, maintaining composure and effectiveness even under pressure. Players like Ricci, solid in front of the defense, and Saelemaekers, constantly dynamic, shone alongside the more established stars. The debut of new signing Estupinan at left-back, replacing Bartesaghi, also went smoothly, demonstrating the squad`s depth.
After a 2024-25 season that many Milan fans would prefer to forget, this victory offers a tangible sign of progress and renewed optimism. The defensive solidity, which had been a concern, showed marked improvement, suggesting that the team is learning and evolving. As Milan prepares to fly to Australia for the next leg of their pre-season tour, they do so with a deserved victory under their belts and a significant injection of confidence. While friendly results are rarely definitive, this performance provides ample reason for the Milan faithful to anticipate the upcoming season with genuine excitement.
Elton Marrow