AC Milan travels to Stadion Tehelne Pole on Tuesday evening, seeking a third consecutive Champions League victory.
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The Rossoneri will face Slovan Bratislava, a team yet to earn a point in the group stage, as they aim to solidify their push for automatic qualification to the tournament’s knockout rounds.
Match Preview
After a slow start to their Champions League campaign, including defeats to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, Milan rebounded with back-to-back wins. A thrilling 3-1 triumph over reigning champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu marked a turning point, following a similar victory over Club Brugge at San Siro.
These victories lifted the seven-time European champions into a playoff spot, just three points away from the crucial top eight. Across these two wins, Milan scored as many goals as in their previous 10 European matches combined, though inconsistencies remain a concern.
Domestically, Milan’s struggles continue. A goalless draw against Juventus over the weekend, coupled with a 3-3 stalemate at Cagliari before the international break, underscores their fluctuating form. With just 19 points from 12 Serie A games, their worst tally in five seasons, Milan’s hopes for silverware may hinge on success in knockout competitions.
Slovan Bratislava’s Challenge
Slovan Bratislava has faced Milan only once before, in a 1992 qualifying tie for the Champions League’s inaugural edition. Back then, a star-studded Milan team led by legends like Paolo Maldini and Zvonimir Boban easily progressed, eventually reaching the final.
Now making their group-stage debut, Slovan Bratislava’s journey has been humbling. Four straight defeats have left them rooted at the bottom of their group, with the worst goal difference (-13) and just two goals scored. A 4-1 home loss to Dinamo Zagreb earlier this month exemplifies their defensive struggles.
Despite their European woes, Slovan remains dominant domestically, losing just once in 17 matches this season. However, Tuesday’s encounter represents a significant leap in competition level.
Team News and Lineups
AC Milan:
Coach Paulo Fonseca will have most of his squad available, with only Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi ruled out long-term. Luka Jovic remains doubtful with a groin issue, leaving Alvaro Morata as the likely starter upfront. The Spanish striker will lead an attack featuring Rafael Leao, who has excelled in the Champions League with a league-high 20 completed dribbles.
Dynamic midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, Milan’s top scorer in this stage, is set to anchor the midfield alongside Yunus Musah and Fofana.
Projected Lineup:
Maignan; Emerson, Thiaw, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Slovan Bratislava:
Slovan’s hopes rest on Tigran Barseghyan and David Strelec. Barseghyan boasts 11 goals in 14 league matches, while Strelec has netted five in his last five outings and scored in Slovakia’s recent Nations League fixture.
Veteran midfielder Juraj Kucka, a former Milan player, and Austrian defender Kevin Wimmer return from injury, adding experience to the squad.
Projected Lineup:
Takac; Bajric, Kashia, Wimmer; Blackman, Ignatenko, Savvidis, Mak; Barseghyan, Tolic; Strelec
Prediction
While Slovan Bratislava dominates domestically, their defensive vulnerabilities are likely to be exploited by Milan’s potent attack. Despite Milan’s inconsistencies in Serie A, they are expected to claim maximum points and strengthen their bid for a knockout stage spot.
Prediction: Milan to win 3-0.
For more detailed analysis, including data-driven scoreline predictions, click here.
