The San Siro played host to the rematch of Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan as the latter half of the Champions League Group Stage kicked off on Wednesday Morning. The two met for the second time this campaign, weeks after PSG and Mbappe defeated the Rossoneri 3-0 in Paris.

Apart of this year’s so-called ‘group of death’ the importance of all group game fixtures were not lost on either team. Gianluigi Donnrumma marked his first return to the San Siro, after leaving the Italian Red for the Parisian Blue 2 years ago. An occasion the Rossonare ‘celebrated’ by adorning the PSG goalmouth with fake currency.

AC Milan: M. MAIGNAN, T. HERNANDEZ, F. TOMORI, M. THIAW, D. CALABRIA, Y. MUSAH (R. KRUNIC 84’), T. REIJNDERS, C. PULISIC (A. FLORENZI 92’), R. LOFTUS CHEEK, R. LEAO (N. OKAFOR 85’), O. GIROUD.

Paris Saint Germain: G. DONNARUMMA, A. HAKIMI, MARQUINHOS, M. SKRINIAR (B. BARCOLA 89’), L. HERNANDEZ (N. MUKIELE 65’), W. ZARIE-EMERY, M. UGARTE (F. RUIZ 59’), VITINHA (L. KANG-IN 59’), O.DEMBELE, K. MBAPPE, R. KOLO MUANI (G. RAMOS 59’).

Both squads looked to acquire the upper hand in the opening stages of the match. Showcasing two of Europe's top attacking contingents. That being said PSG were awarded for their early pressure with an early goal as Martin Skriniar converted Marquinhos’s flick on from a corner in the 7’ minute, a goal born in defence!

Despite falling behind early on in the game, this only seemed to enrage Milan, who came roaring back into the game utilising the pace and ball-carrying skill of marquee man Rafael Leao, who equalised spectacularly, converting from a bicycle kick after Olivier Giroud saw his shot saved in the 11’ minute.

The early onslaught of attacking pressure was only a sign of an especially entertaining first half of football, where both squads looked to exploit the opposition using their lighting-fast offence.

With PSG favouring more possession-based build a stable of their coach, Luis Enrique and AC Milan looking to catch the Parisians on the counterattack.

Both Enrique and Pioli would be looking for more defensive security, as both teams would be happy to remain even heading into the break. With Kylian Mbappe uncharacteristically missing from close, Ousmane Dembele hitting the woodwork and Rafael Leao seeing a close-range free-kick parried by Donnarumma.

The second half would see more of the same attacking brand of football from both teams, who were eager to put each other to the sword. Milan, drawing upon the strong support of the home contingent, looked to grab the game by their hands with darting runs by both Rafael Leao and Rueben Loftus-Cheek, showing danger to Paris Saint Germain as they increased their possession of the ball.

They were rewarded for this passion in the 51’ minute when a defensive mishap from Hakimi allowed Theo Hernandez a chance to cross deep into the PSG goalmouth, were veteran striker Olivier Giroud was waiting, who glanced a deft header into the back of the Parisian net.

After converting, Milan would show positive defensive stability sitting back and soaking the pressure of PSG, despite the introduction of attacking duo Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-In. The latter hit the post in the late minutes of the game, showcasing PSG’s desire to keep themselves in the game.

The Rossoneri would hold on, earning their first victory in this year's Champions League campaign, marking their bid on advancement into the knockout stages. This would be PSG’s third consecutive away loss in the Champions League since 2017/18 and the first time the Italians had earned victory over the Parisians since April 1995.

This result opens Group F wide open, with Dortmund currently leading the group (7), PSG following in second place (6), Milan right on their tail after tonight's result (5) and Newcastle currently bottom of the group but not out (4).

Milan star Rafael Leao knew of the importance of this match when speaking after the victory;

“Today, the reward belongs to the whole team, we showed everyone who we are…We knew this match could change everything.”

His Parisian counterpart, Kylian Mbappe, spoke candidly when asked about PSG's aspiration of Champions League glory:

“The first objective we have is to win the next match, Newcastle, that's the most important thing now”.

AC Milan returns to the San Siro in the following matchweek of Group F where they host group leaders Borussia Dortmund and PSG return to the French capital to host Newcastle United, looking to bounce back after defeat this morning and earn revenge after losing 3-0 in the North of England during the reverse fixture.

Zac Gomez

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