Liverpool suffered a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong during their preseason tour. Explore the AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline, key highlights, goals, and transfer updates in this detailed match report.
Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Reds Suffer Defeat in Hong Kong as Diaz and Nunez Left Out
The Hong Kong showdown turned into a memorable clash for AC Milan fans as they defeated Liverpool 4-2 in a high-energy preseason friendly. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the game provided mixed feelings—exciting attacking play paired with defensive lapses, and transfer speculation stealing the spotlight. Here’s a complete breakdown of the match, including the AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline, key moments, and what this means for both teams moving forward.
AC Milan vs Liverpool FC Timeline – Full Match Highlights
🚨 GOAL | Liverpool 1-2 AC Milan | Loftus-Cheek
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) July 26, 2025
LOFTUS-CHEEK GIVES AC MILAN THE LEAD! RAFAEL LEAO WITH THE ASSIST!pic.twitter.com/4UjqosMEen
First Half: Milan Strikes Early, Liverpool Responds
🚨 GOAL | Liverpool 0-1 AC Milan | Rafael Leao
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) July 26, 2025
RAFAEL LEAO OPENS THE SCORING FOR AC MILAN!pic.twitter.com/It18HUyZTj
The AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline began with a shock for Liverpool fans as Milan took an early lead in the 11th minute. Rafael Leao latched onto Christian Pulisic’s clever assist, finishing with composure to put AC Milan ahead 1-0.
Liverpool responded strongly, dominating possession and creating multiple chances. Their persistence paid off in the 26th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box to make it 1-1. This goal energized the Reds, but Milan’s solid defense kept the score level going into halftime.
Second Half: Milan Takes Control
The AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline shifted drastically after the break. Ruben Loftus-Cheek restored Milan’s lead in the 52nd minute with a well-taken strike. Liverpool looked vulnerable on the counter, and Milan took full advantage.
Noah Okafor, introduced at halftime, stole the show with a brace in the 59th and 90+4th minute, punishing Liverpool’s defensive frailties. Despite Cody Gakpo pulling one back for Liverpool in stoppage time, Milan sealed a 4-2 victory.
Key Goals in AC Milan vs Liverpool FC Timeline:
- 11’ – Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
- 26’ – Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
- 52’ – Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan)
- 59’ – Noah Okafor (AC Milan)
- 90+3’ – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
- 90+4’ – Noah Okafor (AC Milan)
What Went Wrong for Liverpool?
Liverpool controlled the ball for long stretches but lacked sharpness in transition defense. The AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline reveals how Milan’s counterattacks repeatedly exposed Liverpool’s backline, leading to decisive goals.
Another major storyline was the absence of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, fueling speculation about their future at the club. Arne Slot later admitted Diaz was left out due to ongoing transfer rumors, while Nunez’s exclusion suggests potential outgoings.
AC Milan’s Counter-Attacking Brilliance
The AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline underlines Milan’s clinical finishing. Leao and Pulisic combined beautifully for the opener, while Loftus-Cheek and Okafor showed why Milan remains one of the most dangerous counter-attacking sides in Europe.
Transfer Market Impact – Diaz, Nunez, and Possible Arrivals
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez’s absence has opened doors for speculation. Could Liverpool cash in on these stars to fund new arrivals? Reports suggest a possible move for Alexander Isak, which would complement Hugo Ekitike, who was seen on the sidelines during this match.
The AC Milan vs Liverpool FC timeline will likely influence Liverpool’s transfer strategy, especially as they aim to balance attacking depth with defensive stability.
Player Performances and Stats
- Christian Pulisic – 1 assist, 3 key passes, influential in the first half.
- Dominik Szoboszlai – Scored a stunning equalizer, excellent pressing.
- Noah Okafor – Game-changer off the bench, scoring twice in the second half.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
After this defeat, Liverpool will face Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday. Hugo Ekitike is expected to make his debut, offering fans a first glimpse of their $106 million signing.
AC Milan vs Liverpool F.C. Timeline – Why It Matters
Preseason friendlies are often overlooked, but the AC Milan vs Liverpool F.C. timeline offers critical insights into tactical trends, player performances, and transfer decisions. For Liverpool, the defensive frailties and absences highlight the need for reinforcements, while Milan will take confidence from their sharp counter-attacks and squad depth.
Liverpool vs AC Milan Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Stephenson, Morton, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Wirtz, Ngumhoa; Salah.
AC Milan (3-5-2):
Maignan; Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Ricci, Loftus-Cheek, Bartesaghi; Leao, Pulisic.
FAQs on AC Milan vs Liverpool F.C. Timeline
Q1: Who scored first in the AC Milan vs Liverpool F.C. timeline?
Rafael Leao scored first for AC Milan in the 11th minute.
Q2: Why didn’t Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez play?
Both were left out amid transfer speculation, as confirmed by Arne Slot.
Q3: Which player stood out for AC Milan?
Noah Okafor made the biggest impact with two second-half goals.
Q4: What’s Liverpool’s next match?
They face Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday.
Q5: What does this loss mean for Liverpool’s transfer plans?
The game reinforced Liverpool’s need for defensive stability and possible forward changes, fueling links to Alexander Isak.