Player ratings: AC Milan 3-1 Club Brugge

AC Milan claimed their first win in the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League by scoring three goals against Club Brugge. Several players performed well, particularly a duo off the bench, and below are the ratings for the Rossoneri.

If you haven't already, be sure to check it out how we decide on player ratings. From the scale to the impact on the rating, we have put everything together there.

Starting XI

Maignan (7): The goalkeeper made some really good saves in the first half, saving Milan from an early demise in what could have been a completely different game. After the red card he didn't have much to do and he couldn't do anything about the goal.

Emerson Royal (5.5): Bruges had three dangerous chances on their defense in the first half alone. To be fair, the third chance came from a quick counterattack and his positioning was therefore understandable, but the first two chances were almost fatal. He improved after the red card, but we can still ask for more.

Gabbia (6): Although the defense was overwhelmed at times, the central defender defended well and also had some nice long balls for the attackers. He was booked and committed a few fouls, which lowered the score, but it was solid.

Tomori (6): Just like his colleague in central defense, it was a solid performance rather than a spectacular or poor performance. He wasn't really out of position for the second goal either.

Hernandez (6): All in all, the Frenchman was important in both phases of the game and especially in attack. He missed a good cut-back from Leao and was a bit too central when conceding the goal, but he also had some good interceptions and ran forward when needed.

Reijnders (7.5 – MOTM): The Dutchman looked a bit out of place at the start of the first half, just like Fofana, but he definitely improved as the game went on. First he pressed Onyedika well, which earned him a red card, and then he conceded two goals. Both in the right place at the right time, finally keeping their composure in front of the goal.

Fofana (6): Although he had some good moments, there were too many bad passes and lost balls (in dangerous positions, mind you) from him today. It just wasn't as confident as we saw against Udinese, but given his overall contribution it was still enough to get a pass.

Pulisic (7): He opened the scoring from the corner flag (!) when a great curler was sent into the penalty area. Sure, he got a bit lucky with what happened after that, but the cross was still spot on. For the second goal, he made a great run towards the first post to give Reijnders space too. And his overall performance was also very good.

Loftus Cheek (5.5): He used his physical condition to tie up the ball a few times, but he was unsuccessful in the crucial phases of the attack.

Leao (6): To be fair, he had some good moments tonight, such as the cutback for Theo and then the run plus pass for Pulisic's chance in the first half. At the same time, Okafor made an immediate difference in his position, as did Chukwueze at the opposite end. They are clearly in much better shape.

Morata (5.5): Not the usual impact we're used to from him, he looks a bit tired and doesn't really find his teammates in most situations. Hard work as always, but a little more effort would have been nice.

Substitute

Chukwueze (7): Stunning work on the third goal, he fired it past his man before rushing forward and finding Reijdners in the box. He had a few more good runs into the box that led to dangerous chances and he made the right decisions.

Okafor (7): Just like his counterpart off the bench, it was an immediate impact and while the run against Udinese was better, we shouldn't downplay today's run. Once again he kept his composure after beating his man and turning on the acceleration, something we don't often see from Leao.

Camarda (6.5): At 16 years and 226 days, he became the youngest Italian player and the youngest Milan player to ever play in the Champions League. He was very unlucky not to score and was disallowed for a narrow but clear offside position, especially as he was very lively and played well.

Musah (6): Solid passing and ball control in midfield helping Milan take control of the game.

Thiaw (N/A): We haven't seen enough to give it a rating.