Christina Pulisic’s AC Milan wrapped up their preseason tour of the USA with an exhilarating 2-2 draw in opposition to Barca in Baltimore. The match, characterised by contrasting halves, offered an exhilarating spectacle for followers. It additionally served as a priceless check for each groups forward of their respective league campaigns.
The Rossoneri began the sport with vigor and willpower, shortly asserting their dominance. Paulo Fonseca fielded a robust lineup, showcasing an thrilling attacking trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao, with Luka Jovic main the road. The early exchanges noticed Milan’s attacking intent bear fruit.
Within the tenth minute, Milan took the lead via a well-executed transfer. Yunus Musah made a powerful run down the best flank, overlaying 50 yards unchallenged earlier than discovering Chukwueze. The Nigerian winger then slid a exact go to Pulisic, who reduce the ball again for Jovic to faucet in on the far put up. The purpose was a testomony to Milan’s fluid attacking play and fast transitions.
Their second purpose got here simply six minutes later, with Pulisic turning from supplier to scorer. Rafael Leao, who was captaining the facet, delivered a superbly weighted via ball to Pulisic on the left. The American worldwide completed clinically previous Barca stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from a good angle; doubling the Milan lead and additional endearing himself to the Baltimore crowd.
Barca fires again in opposition to Milan
Regardless of the early dominance of Milan, Barca regularly grew into the sport. The Catalan facet, underneath the stewardship of latest supervisor Hansi Flick, started to create harmful alternatives. Within the twenty second minute, Robert Lewandowski pulled one again with a composed end from the sting of the field, curling a low shot into the underside nook.
Milan’s goalkeeper, Lorenzo Torriani, had a busy first half, making essential saves to disclaim Raphinha twice and Lewandowski’s header. Torriani’s heroics saved his facet forward as Barca pressed for an equalizer. Simply earlier than halftime, Pau Victor thought he had leveled the rating, however his effort was appropriately dominated out for offside.
The second half noticed tactical changes from the Italians, with Fonseca making two substitutions. Leao and Jovic have been changed by Davide Calabria and Ismael Bennacer; resulting in a extra fluid entrance 4 with no acknowledged striker. This transformation in formation allowed Milan to keep up their attacking risk whereas shoring up their midfield.
Barcelona, nevertheless, continued to press and ultimately discovered their equalizer. A well-constructed transfer noticed Raphinha’s go discover Pau Victor, who squared the ball for Lewandowski to attain his second purpose of the night time. The Polish striker’s scientific ending highlighted Barca’s resilience and attacking prowess.
The Blaugrana beforehand beat Manchester Metropolis on penalties, and they might additionally must defeat Milan that manner since that’s how the Soccer Champions Tour decides deadlocked video games. nevertheless it was the Rossoneri who ultimately gained. They gained 4-3 after six rounds, ending the Spanirds’ undefeated preseason document.
What’s subsequent for either side?
AC Milan’s preseason tour concludes on a excessive observe, with priceless classes discovered from their encounters with top-tier opposition. They’ll now flip their focus to the beginning of the Serie A season, the place they face Torino on August 17. The preseason has offered Milan with a chance to combine new signings and fine-tune their techniques underneath Fonseca’s steering.
Barcelona, alternatively, will play Monaco within the Trofeo Joan Gamper on August 12 earlier than starting their La Liga marketing campaign in opposition to Valencia. Below Hansi Flick, the group additionally goals to construct on their preseason performances and mount a severe problem for home and European honors.
PHOTOS: IMAGO.
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