Pulisic’s Brilliance Fuels AC Milan Stunning Comeback Against Lecce

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Serie A

Lecce

2025-03-08 17:00

2 - 3

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

AC Milan

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In an electrifying Serie A clash, Pulisic’s brilliance fueled AC Milan to an incredible 3-2 comeback victory over Lecce. The match, played at Stadio Via del Mare, saw the Rossoneri battle back from a two-goal deficit, with Christian Pulisic playing a pivotal role in the turnaround. His composed penalty and late winner secured a vital three points for Milan, ending their recent slump and reigniting their push for a Champions League spot.

What a turnaround! 😍🔁#LecceMilan #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/UBuqWkTAp5

— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 8, 2025

Early Struggles for AC Milan

AC Milan entered the match under pressure, having suffered a three-game losing streak in Serie A. Their struggles continued early on when Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic broke the deadlock in the seventh minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. Milan attempted to respond but had two goals ruled out for offside in the opening 30 minutes.

Lecce doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Krstovic capitalized on a swift counterattack. With Milan trailing 2-0, their hopes of salvaging a result seemed bleak. However, the introduction of Rafael Leão and an inspired performance from Pulisic turned the game around.

The Turning Point: Pulisic’s Brilliance

The momentum shifted in Milan’s favor in the 68th minute when Lecce’s Antonino Gallo accidentally deflected a João Félix effort into his own net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal reignited Milan’s fighting spirit, and they pushed forward with renewed urgency.

Moments later, Pulisic’s brilliance fueled AC Milan’s equalizer. The American winger was brought down inside the box, earning a penalty, which he converted with precision. His powerful strike into the top corner left Lecce’s goalkeeper with no chance, leveling the score at 2-2.

Milan continued to press, and in the 81st minute, Leão delivered a perfect cross to Pulisic at the far post. With impeccable timing, Pulisic volleyed home the winning goal, completing an extraordinary comeback and securing a crucial victory for Milan.

Tactical Adjustments Lead to Success

Milan’s head coach, Sergio Conceição, was under intense scrutiny following a string of disappointing results. However, his bold substitutions, including the introduction of Leão and Félix, played a crucial role in the turnaround.

“It seemed difficult to turn it around, but the character of the team shone through. I made offensive changes, and in the end, it paid off,” Conceição said in his post-match interview.

Pulisic’s Impact on Milan’s Season

Pulisic’s performance in this match was a testament to his importance to AC Milan. His two-goal contribution showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments. This brace also marked a return to goal-scoring form for Pulisic, taking his tally to eight goals in the Serie A campaign.

“We are a united group, and we demonstrated it with this very important win,” Pulisic stated after the match, highlighting the team’s resilience.

Implications for AC Milan and Lecce

This victory propelled AC Milan to eighth place in the Serie A standings, narrowing the gap to the Champions League qualification spots. More importantly, it ended their losing streak, restoring confidence within the squad.

On the other hand, Lecce remains in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone. Their inability to hold onto a two-goal lead raises concerns about their defensive frailties heading into the final stretch of the season.

FAQs

How did Pulisic contribute to AC Milan’s comeback against Lecce?
Pulisic won and converted a penalty to equalize and later scored the winning goal, sealing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Milan.

What does this victory mean for AC Milan?
The win ended Milan’s three-game losing streak and improved their position in Serie A, boosting their hopes for European qualification.

How did coach Sergio Conceição’s tactics influence the match?
His decision to introduce attacking players like Rafael Leão and João Félix in the second half added pace and creativity, which were instrumental in Milan’s comeback.

What does this performance mean for Christian Pulisic’s season?
Pulisic’s brace signals a return to top form, increasing his goal tally and reaffirming his importance to Milan’s attack.

How does this result affect Lecce’s Serie A standing?
Lecce remains in 16th place, just above the relegation zone, making their upcoming fixtures crucial for survival.