Liverpool made a strong return to the Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over AC Milan, answering critics of head coach Arne Slot’s selection policy. Goals from centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk turned the game around after Christian Pulisic’s early third-minute opener. Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win with his first club goal since March, midway through the second half. Despite Mohamed Salah’ s unlucky hits on the crossbar twice in the opening half, it was Cody Gakpo— Slot’s key selection—who shone with an assist and solid play throughout.
Konate powered home a header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise in swinging free-kick to level the score in the first half. Minutes later, defender Strahinja Pavlovic lost track of Van Dijk, who nodded in from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner to make it 2-1. Liverpool’s dominance grew as they shook off a slow start, with Salah’s near-goal from Diogo Jota’s 17th-minute through-ball providing the momentum they needed. Gakpo launched the counter-attack that led to Tsimikas’ decisive cross for Van Dijk’s goal.
Tsimikas, Liverpool’s second[1]choice left-back, was also involved defensively, denying Pulisic a penalty appeal after blocking his run on Rafael Leao’s cross. Gakpo tested Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan from distance as Liverpool finished the half strongly. After the break, Jota came close again, only for Maignan to save his shot before a collision with Fikayo Tomori forced Milan’s keeper off the pitch. Liverpool ’s commanding performance, highlighted by their defensive prowess and Gakpo’s impact, sent a clear message of intent as they returned to Europe’s top competition.