Christian Pulisic sparks Milan comeback, ends Serie A open-play goal drought; Rafael Leao and Joao Felix impactful, Santiago Gimenez unlucky
At the Stadio Via del Mare, Milan staged an extraordinary second-half comeback to defeat Lecce 3-2, securing a crucial Serie A victory after a troubling run of form. Christian Pulisic emerged as the hero, scoring a decisive brace, while Rafael Leao’s introduction at halftime injected the attacking spark needed to overturn a two-goal deficit.
The Rossoneri entered the match under immense pressure following three consecutive league defeats and elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord. With Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic suspended, manager Sergio Conceicao made bold decisions, leaving Joao Felix and Leao on the bench.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with Milan nearly opening the scoring within the first minute. Theo Hernandez set up Santiago Gimenez for what seemed like an easy tap-in, but VAR ruled it offside. However, the home side quickly took full advantage of Milan’s vulnerability, as Nikola Krstovic beat the away goalkeeper emphatically. It was Lecce’s first goal in Serie A since January 31, breaking a 366-minute drought.
Milan struggled to respond, with Gimenez missing key chances and Matteo Gabbia’s equalizing volley ruled out for offside by VAR. At halftime, Conceicao reacted decisively, bringing on Rafael Leao to inject energy into the attack. The Portuguese winger’s presence was immediately felt, as Milan nearly pulled one back when Gimenez’s clever turn and shot struck the base of the post.
Leao’s impact and Pulisic’s heroics inspire Milan’s revival
However, Milan’s uphill battle became even steeper when Lecce struck again. With the Rossoneri now trailing 2-0, their hopes of ending their poor run seemed to be fading fast.
But then, the comeback began. Tammy Abraham, playing provider, released Leao down the left wing, and his cutback was met by Joao Felix. The Portuguese forward scuffed his shot, but the ball deflected off Lecce defender Antonino Gallo and into the net, handing the Red and Blacks a lifeline.
Just minutes later, Milan was awarded a penalty when Pulisic was brought down inside the box. After missing his last penalty kick for the first time in his career, the 26-year-old USMNT attacker sprang up with confidence this time, and rifled the penalty into the top of the goal. Suddenly, the visitors had all the momentum.
Dramatic finish: Pulisic completes the turnaround
With Lecce now on the ropes, came the decisive moment of the game. Leao whipped in a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Pulisic was perfectly positioned. With precision and composure, the U.S. international cushioned a volley with the inside of his right boot, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and completing Milan’s stunning turnaround.
For the American star, it was a night of redemption, having netted his first league goal from open play since October 22, while Leao and Felix’s second-half impact proved invaluable. Gimenez, meanwhile, was unlucky not to find the net despite several promising attempts and will have to wait for the next game.