
Liverpool FC and AC Milan — two of the most iconic clubs in European football history — always bring magic to the pitch when they meet. Whether it’s a competitive UEFA Champions League clash or a friendly preseason showdown, the matchup between these giants is never short of drama, history, and excitement.
In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at Liverpool vs AC Milan, including confirmed and predicted lineups, match highlights, and how to watch in the USA. From tactical setups to key players and memorable moments, this is your ultimate guide to the clash of titans.
🏟️ A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
Liverpool and AC Milan share one of the most iconic rivalries in modern UEFA Champions League history. Their head-to-head history includes:
-
2005 Champions League Final – Liverpool’s legendary comeback from 0–3 down to win on penalties.
-
2007 Champions League Final – AC Milan got their revenge with a 2–1 victory in Athens.
-
2021 Group Stage Clash – Liverpool beat Milan 3–2 at Anfield in a thrilling contest.
Now, whether it’s a competitive match or a preseason friendly, Liverpool FC vs AC Milan continues to draw massive global audiences.
⚽ Match Preview: Tactical Breakdown
🔴 Liverpool FC Overview
-
Manager: Arne Slot (2024–Present)
-
Formation: 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1
-
Strengths: High pressing, pace on the wings, midfield dynamism
-
Key Players: Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool under Arne Slot is expected to maintain a fast-paced, attacking style with emphasis on possession and pressing. After the Jurgen Klopp era, the team is transitioning with younger talents and a refreshed tactical setup.
⚫ AC Milan Overview
-
Manager: Paulo Fonseca
-
Formation: 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3
-
Strengths: Technical midfield, defensive solidity, fast counter-attacks
-
Key Players: Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, Mike Maignan
Milan has been restructured post-Ibrahimović and is banking on young talents like Leão and American star Pulisic. The Serie A side continues to blend defense with lethal attacking counters.
📋 Confirmed & Predicted Lineups
🔴 Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
-
GK: Alisson Becker
-
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
-
CB: Virgil van Dijk
-
CB: Ibrahima Konaté
-
LB: Andy Robertson
-
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
-
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
-
CM: Curtis Jones
-
RW: Mohamed Salah
-
ST: Darwin Núñez
-
LW: Luis Díaz
🔴 Key Substitutes:
-
Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endō
⚫ AC Milan Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
-
GK: Mike Maignan
-
RB: Davide Calabria
-
CB: Fikayo Tomori
-
CB: Malick Thiaw
-
LB: Theo Hernández
-
CDM: Ismaël Bennacer
-
CDM: Tijjani Reijnders
-
RW: Christian Pulisic
-
CAM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
-
LW: Rafael Leão
-
ST: Noah Okafor
⚫ Key Substitutes:
-
Olivier Giroud, Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Jović, Yunus Musah
🎥 Match Highlights
🔹 First Half Recap
In the first half, Liverpool dominated possession, with Alexander-Arnold dictating the tempo from deep. Salah had a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute, but Mike Maignan pulled off a world-class save. AC Milan responded with a breakaway led by Leão, but Alisson stood firm.
Score at halftime: 0–0
Key Moment: Maignan save on Salah’s 1v1 chance
🔹 Second Half Action
The game opened up significantly after the break. In the 52nd minute, Leão cut in from the left and curled one past Alisson — 1–0 AC Milan.
Liverpool equalized through a thunderous header from Darwin Núñez in the 67th minute, assisted by Robertson. Later, Pulisic nearly put Milan ahead again, but the post denied him.
Final Score: 1–1 (or TBD depending on real-time results)
⭐ Standout Performers
Player | Team | Rating (Out of 10) | Highlight Moment |
---|---|---|---|
Mike Maignan | AC Milan | 8.5 | Multiple saves including one-on-one vs Salah |
Rafael Leão | AC Milan | 8.0 | Scored a wonder goal from the left wing |
Darwin Núñez | Liverpool FC | 7.5 | Scored equalizer with powerful header |
Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool FC | 7.0 | Created 3 chances with precision passes |
📺 TV Schedule USA & Streaming
If you’re watching from the United States, here’s how to catch Liverpool FC vs AC Milan live:
📅 Date:
-
July 27, 2025 (Tentative or latest friendly)
🕒 Kickoff Time (USA):
-
Eastern Time (ET): 3:00 PM
-
Pacific Time (PT): 12:00 PM
📺 Where to Watch in USA:
-
TV Channels: ESPN / ESPN2 (varies per competition)
-
Live Streaming:
-
ESPN+ (friendly/preseason)
-
Paramount+ (UEFA competitions)
-
FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV (streaming packages)
-
🧠 Tactical Analysis
🔍 Liverpool’s Shape
-
Slot’s version of Liverpool includes more midfield rotations than Klopp’s.
-
Trent often drifts into central midfield, turning the formation into a 3-2-2-3 when in possession.
-
Núñez adds aerial presence, a shift from Firmino’s false-9 role.
🔍 AC Milan’s Transition Play
-
Milan uses Theo Hernández and Leão for lightning-quick counters.
-
Pulisic adds width and cuts inside to support the striker.
-
Fonseca’s side is compact defensively but lethal on transition.
📈 Head-to-Head Record
Competition | Matches | Liverpool Wins | Milan Wins | Draws |
---|---|---|---|---|
UEFA Champions League | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Club Friendlies | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Last Meeting:
-
Date: December 16, 2022 (Friendly)
-
Result: Liverpool 4–1 AC Milan
🇺🇸 American Interest: Pulisic vs Liverpool
With Christian Pulisic starting for Milan, American fans have a special reason to tune in. The USMNT star brings flair, intelligence, and end-product to Milan’s right wing. Facing off against Robertson and Van Dijk will test his dribbling and creativity. Pulisic’s growing influence at Milan adds USA viewership to this historic European fixture.
🏆 What’s at Stake?
While some matches are played as friendlies or preseason tours, when Liverpool meets AC Milan, prestige is always on the line. For both clubs:
-
It’s a test of squad depth and youth players.
-
Managers experiment with new formations.
-
Young talents like Ben Doak (Liverpool) or Chaka Traoré (Milan) may get minutes.
🔮 Prediction
While both sides are experimenting with tactics and fresh lineups, expect an energetic, open-ended match. If this is a competitive fixture, we could see full-strength lineups. For a friendly, depth and youth will take center stage.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 2 AC Milan
-
Goals: Salah, Núñez (LIV); Leão, Pulisic (MIL)
📢 Final Thoughts
Liverpool FC vs AC Milan is more than just a football match — it’s a battle between two legacies, a celebration of style, and a showcase of global talent. From the unforgettable nights in Istanbul and Athens to modern-day classics, this rivalry continues to write history.
Whether you’re watching for Salah’s magic, Leão’s flair, or Pulisic’s impact, this is a fixture that never disappoints.
Leave a Reply