MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Christian Pulisic (not pictured) of AC Milan scores the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between AC Milan and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan picked up their first Champions League points in a tough match against Club Brugge, who managed to equalize in the second half despite being down to 10 men before half-time. Here are the player ratings from the Rossoneri’s 3-1 win:

Maignan 7 – A complete authority in a shaky Milan defense. He blocked the opposition with a series of vital saves and was the only one in the hosts’ backline to provide a sense of security.

Emerson Royal 5.5 – Brugge’s equalizer came from his side, which was perhaps the most vulnerable part of the Rossoneri’s back.

Gabbia 5.5 – The space between him and Emerson Royal sometimes proved particularly inviting for the visitors to attack, as they both looked inattentive (83′ Thiaw n/a).

Tomori 5.5 – The Englishman was too soft on the visitors’ attackers and contributed to his team’s overall vulnerability at the back.

Theo Hernández 6 – While his defensive contribution wasn’t much better, his attacks forward made him a concern to watch for the opposition.

Fofana 5.5 – Lacked precision and was often dispossessed, exposing his side to danger (75′ Musa 6).

Reijnders 8 – The Dutchman finally proved the all-round midfielder that he is: excellent at adding quality to his side’s build-up, but his brace showed how important his attacking presence is in making him even more influential in the team.

Pulisian 7 – The American put the Rossoneri ahead straight from a corner at a delicate moment, once again demonstrating the breadth of his skills.

Loftus cheek 5.5 – Struggling to make his physical presence felt as Brugge handled the ball with ease in midfield in the first half (60′ Okay for 6.5).

Leo 6.5 – He seemed the only one who could provide a spark in Milan’s slow start, but his inconsistency, even within the same match, cost him a substitution in the second half. And Fonseca was right, as the Rossoneri became much more dangerous with the additions of electric Okafor and Chukwueze (60′ Chukwueze 6.5).

Morata 6 – A light presence up front, in a match where Milan would have needed something different from the start (75′ Camera 6.5).

Fonseca 7 – While Milan found it much more difficult than expected in the first half and until the visitors’ equalizer, his corrections were spot on and proved instrumental in setting up a strong final forty minutes, which also sparked San Siro’s enthusiasm .

ClubBruges: Mignolet 6; Ordóñez 5.5, Mechele 5.5, Seys 6 (46′ Sabbe 6.5); Talbi 5.5 (46′ Vetlesen 6), Vanaken 6, Onyedika 4.5, Jashari 6.5 (83′ Nielsen n/a), De Cuyper 5.5; Jutglà 6.5 (70′ Skoras 5.5), Tzolis 6.5 (70′ Skov Olsen 5.5) Coach: Hayen 6.5