AC Milan’s substitutes Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze proved to be the game-changers as the Italian giants secured their first Champions League win of the season with a 3-1 home victory over Club Brugge. Coach Paulo Fonseca praised the impact of the substitutes, highlighting their contribution to the team’s turnaround in a post-match press conference.
The match saw Milan struggle initially against a determined Club Brugge side. The Belgian champions pressed aggressively, looking to exploit the Italian side’s weaknesses. However, the game took a turn when Fonseca introduced Okafor and Chukwueze in the 60th minute, replacing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rafael Leao respectively. The pair’s arrival injected fresh energy and dynamism into the Milan attack.
The substitutions proved to be a masterstroke as Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders took center stage, scoring twice in the second half to secure the victory. The first goal came just minutes after the substitutions, as Okafor and Chukwueze combined to set up Reijnders for the lead. The second goal was a testament to Reijnders’ composure and finishing ability.
Fonseca emphasized the crucial role played by the substitutes, stating, “The credit goes to the players and mainly to those who came on. They changed the match, changing our game, the intensity.” He further acknowledged the difficulties Milan faced in the first half, attributing it to Brugge’s defensive tactics and Milan’s lack of creativity. “We didn’t do things well… We were up against a team with eleven players that was very deep, then with numerical inferiority they became even deeper. And we had difficulties in this type of game, in creating and provoking space,” he said.
Milan’s victory marks a significant step forward in their Champions League campaign. The team’s ability to adapt and capitalize on the impact of their substitutes demonstrates their resilience and depth. The performance also highlights the crucial role of the bench in modern football, where fresh legs and tactical flexibility can often be the deciding factor in a match.
The late introduction of 16-year-old Francesco Camarda in the 75th minute added another layer of excitement to the match. While his debut goal was ruled offside, his performance showcased the promising talent emerging from the Milan academy. Camarda’s appearance also etched him into the history books as the youngest Milan player to make his Champions League debut, as well as the youngest Italian to feature in the competition.
The victory over Brugge sets the stage for a promising Champions League campaign for AC Milan. With a strong squad and a tactical approach that emphasizes adaptability and player depth, the Italian giants are poised to challenge for the prestigious trophy.
