Milan vs Club Brugge – UEFA Champions League – 22-Oct-2024

As AC Milan prepares to host Club Brugge at the iconic San Siro on October 22, 2024, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Rossoneri. After suffering two consecutive defeats in their Champions League campaign, Milan is desperate for points to revive their European ambitions.

Current Form

AC Milan has had a rocky start to their Champions League season, losing 1-3 at home to Liverpool and 0-1 away to Bayer Leverkusen. This puts them in a precarious position, making the match against Club Brugge a must-win if they hope to progress in the tournament. In contrast, Club Brugge started their campaign with a disappointing 0-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund but bounced back with a solid 1-0 victory against Sturm Graz [1][2].

Team News

AC Milan:

• Injuries: Milan’s squad is mostly fit, with long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer, Marco Sportiello, and Alessandro Florenzi still recovering. Davide Calabria is also out due to a calf injury. Matteo Gabbia is expected to return to the bench after missing the last match due to muscle discomfort [1].
• Suspensions: Theo Hernandez is available for selection despite his domestic suspension.
• Predicted Lineup: Milan is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mike Maignan in goal, supported by Emerson Royal, Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori, and Theo Hernandez in defense. The midfield will feature Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders, with Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Rafael Leao providing support to striker Álvaro Morata [1].

Club Brugge:

• Injuries: Club Brugge faces some fitness concerns, particularly with key players like Andreas Skov Olsen and Gustaf Nilsson potentially missing out. Bjorn Meijer is still recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to return [1][2].
• Predicted Lineup: Brugge is expected to adopt a similar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Simon Mignolet in goal and a defense comprising Seys, Spileers, Mechele, and De Cuyper. The midfield will likely include Vetlesen and Onyedika, while Skoras, Vanaken, and Tzolis will support striker Jutgla [1].

Historical Context

Historically, AC Milan has had the upper hand against Club Brugge, winning three of their six encounters, with two losses and one draw. Their last meeting in the Champions League group stage in 2003 saw Milan secure a narrow victory at home after losing the first leg [2]. However, Club Brugge has proven to be a tough opponent, notably keeping clean sheets in their last two visits to Milan [1].

Key Stats

• Milan’s Recent Form: The Rossoneri have lost their last two home games in the Champions League, a situation they aim to rectify as they seek to avoid a third consecutive home defeat in the competition for the first time in their history [1].
• Brugge’s Away Record: Club Brugge has not lost any of their last four away games in the Champions League group stage, showcasing their resilience on the road [1].

Conclusion

With both teams eager to secure a vital win, the match promises to be an exciting encounter. AC Milan will look to leverage their home advantage and regain momentum, while Club Brugge aims to build on their recent victory and upset the odds. Fans can expect a thrilling match as both sides battle for crucial points in the UEFA Champions League.