Liverpool’s European Campaign Continues with AC Milan Clash
Liverpool FC is gearing up to face AC Milan in the Champions League at San Siro, marking the eighth consecutive season the Reds have played Italian opposition. While the team is no stranger to flying to Italy, this European campaign brings a new challenge with the elimination of the return match at Anfield. AC Milan presents a tough opponent, adding pressure on Liverpool to bounce back from their disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest.
Return to Italy: Liverpool’s Strong Record Against Italian Teams
Liverpool’s history against Italian teams in European competition has been relatively balanced. They have faced Italian clubs 41 times, winning 19 matches and losing 18. Notably, their 5-0 victory against Atalanta in 2020 stands as the biggest win by an English club away to Italian opposition in European competitions.
Liverpool’s recent away record against Italian teams is impressive, with four wins in their last five matches. In these victories, they have conceded only one goal in total. Although only a few players from the last fixture between Liverpool and AC Milan in December 2021 are registered for this season’s league phase, the Reds have played consecutive European games at San Siro, defeating Inter Milan 2-0 in the knockout phase of the Champions League.
A Night of Round Numbers: Milestones for Liverpool Players
Liverpool’s upcoming match against AC Milan coincides with several significant milestones for their players. A loss in this game would mark Liverpool’s 100th defeat in European competition, highlighting the team’s rich history in continental football.
Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai is poised to play his 50th game for Liverpool, while Darwin Nunez is on the verge of making his 100th appearance for the Reds. Diogo Jota is approaching his 150th game for the club, and Virgil van Dijk could reach his 50th game for Liverpool in European competitions. Furthermore, Federico Chiesa could make his debut for the Reds, and Trey Nyoni might play his first European game for Liverpool.
Goalscoring Memories: Salah and Nunez’s Impact
Mohamed Salah has been a prolific goalscorer for Liverpool in European competitions, netting 47 goals in 76 appearances. Remarkably, nine of Salah’s Liverpool goals have come in his 16 matches against Italian teams, and he has scored in his last two outings at San Siro. In the Champions League, Salah has found the back of the net in six of his last seven appearances, totaling eight goals during that period.
Darwin Nunez has also made a significant impact in his European performances for Liverpool, scoring nine goals in just 18 games. A goal in the upcoming match against AC Milan would see him reach the milestone of 10 goals for the club in Europe.
This Season’s Scorers: Pulisic and Diaz Shine
When it comes to this season’s goalscorers, AC Milan has seen contributions from a range of players, including Pulisic, Abraham, Fofana, Hernandez, Morata, Okafor, Pavlovic, and Rafael Leao. Liverpool, on the other hand, has relied on Diaz, Salah, and Jota to find the back of the net.
As Liverpool prepares to face AC Milan at San Siro, the team’s strong record against Italian teams and the milestone achievements of their players provide reasons for optimism. Mohamed Salah’s impressive scoring form and Darwin Nunez’s growing influence add to Liverpool’s attacking prowess. It will be a night of high stakes and exciting football as these two European giants clash on the grand stage.