AC Milan 1-2 Liverpool: 5 hits and flops as Salah and Origi wrap up perfect group stage for Reds | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Liverpool win all six group matches!
Liverpool win all six group matches!

Liverpool became the first English side in history to win all six games of the Champions League group stages after overcoming AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi helped the Reds fight back from a 1-0 deficit as the Rossoneri finished bottom in Group B.

Fikayo Tomori gave the hosts a 28th-minute lead by striking a rebound from close range but Salah pulled the Reds level just eight minutes later.

In the second half, a mistake from Tomori allowed Origi to score to put Jurgen Klopp's side in front and Liverpool never let the lead slip.

Milan huffed and puffed in search of a goal but couldn't find a way past Liverpool's stoic backline and missed out on a Europa League spot as well.

Liverpool, who'd already won the group, will learn their last-16 fate in next week's draw.

Here are the hits and flops from the match:


Hit: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah was on target against Milan again!
Salah was on target against Milan again!

Another game, another goal for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is currently in the form of his life.

The Liverpool ace sparked the comeback with a nonchalant strike into the top corner after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's initial effort came off the post.

He was in the right place at the right time to turn it in as Salah began to turn the screw and remained a big threat down the wings.

The winger also laid three key passes on the night and had he stayed on the pitch until the end, Salah could have bagged another goal or assist.


Flop: Franck Kessie (AC Milan)

Kessie was an unmitigated disaster
Kessie was an unmitigated disaster

It's been rare to see Franck Kessie deemed a 'flop'. He has been on a sensational run since last year. But last night, the Ivorian was rolled over by Liverpool's reserves, especially Takumi Minamino.

He was dispossessed 15 times, completed only three of his seven long balls, and won only three of eight attempted ground duels.

But most importantly, Milan were truly frustrated when Kessie missed two golden chances to score for the home side late on.

He initially failed to finish when Alexis Saelemaekers played him through on goal. Kessie had only Alisson to beat before heading a cross from Ismael Bennacer over the bar. It left the Rossoneri wondering what could've been.

Hit: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Konate played his heart out against AC Milan
Konate played his heart out against AC Milan

Ibrahima Konate had the Herculean task of subduing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the youngster did a fine job. Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer, the 22-year-old was in inspired form all night and outmuscled the Swede throughout the game.

The most eye-catching moment from his duel with the big man was when Konate brilliantly dispossessed him in the second half. Ibrahimovic dragged him to the ground in frustration, showing all the fans who had been dominating the proceedings.

He completed seven clearances, three interceptions and attempted two tackles in the match as Konate more than filled in for the absent Virgil van Dijk.


Flop: Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

Tomori gifted Liverpool the winner
Tomori gifted Liverpool the winner

He gave Milan the lead with a nice header in the first half. However, he poured cold water over his own effort with a terrible mistake in the second period that gave Liverpool the win.

The former Chelsea defender clumsily gave away possession to Sadio Mane on the left, whose shot was parried away by Mike Maignan. But Origi was on hand to head home the rebound.

The match was tied at 1-1 until then and had Tomori avoided the blunder, the Rossoneri might as well have finished with a draw. It would have secured a Europa League berth for the Serie A side.


Hit: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool)

A night to remember for the midfielder
A night to remember for the midfielder

If Konate was the best player on the pitch, Oxlade-Chamberlain was a close second. Lively, energetic and adventurous, the midfielder had a stormer in Milan that spoke to his recent displays. He's been full of confidence lately and it showed once again last night as he took the game to the Rossoneri.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also played a big part in Liverpool's equalizer. He made a fantastic run on the edge of the box and drilled a low strike that Maignon spilled into the path of Salah, who made no mistake from close range.

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