AC Milan earned their first Champions League points of the season with a 3-1 victory over Belgian champions Club Brugge at home, thanks to two second-half goals from Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a direct goal from a corner kick, and Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika was sent off just before halftime after a foul on Reijnders, leaving the visitors to play with 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Brugge equalized early in the second half through Kyriani Sabbe’s low strike. However, Milan capitalized on the extra man and regained control when Reijnders scored in the 61st minute with a simple finish. Ten minutes later, Reijnders added his second of the night after being set up by Samuel Chukwueze.
Milan had a shaky start to the match, with Brugge creating early chances that forced Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan into action. Brugge’s Christos Tzolis saw two efforts blocked by Maignan, while Joel Ordonez rattled the crossbar from distance.
As the match progressed, Milan began to find their rhythm. Pulisic’s corner goal marked his seventh across all competitions this season, and Brugge’s defense was further tested after Onyedika’s red card following a VAR check.
Brugge managed to pull one back through substitute Sabbe, who scored after an assist from fellow substitute Hugo Vetlesen. However, Milan’s dominance with an extra player eventually showed, as Reijnders’ two strikes sealed the win.
Milan teenager Francesco Camarda thought he had added a fourth with a header, but it was ruled offside.
With this win, Milan now look ahead to a difficult match against reigning champions Real Madrid, while Brugge will face Aston Villa as they attempt to bounce back.
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