Tammy Abraham scored AC Milan’s first goal in the Champions League as the Serie A side defeated Slovan Bratislava for their third consecutive win in the competition.
The English striker intercepted David Streletz’s misplaced back pass and beat goalkeeper Dominik Takacs to give the visitors a two-goal lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Christian Pulisic gave the visitors a deserved lead in the first half with Abraham’s precise pass, but just three minutes later Tigran Barseghyan broke through the Milan defense and lofted the ball over goalkeeper Mike Maignan. , the home team tied the score.
Paulo Fonseca’s side struggled to break through Slovan’s resolute defense until midway through the second period, when half-time substitute Rafael Leao picked up a through ball from Jusuf Fofana and calmly scored. He made the decision and dodged Takachi.
Abraham scored Milan’s third goal just three minutes later, but Slovan set up a nervy finish with two minutes left when Nino Marcelli curled a superb shot into the top corner.
However, the home side’s hopes of picking up their first point on the European trip were all but dashed when Marko Toric was shown a late red card for his second goal.
Milan started the group stage with losses to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, before defeating Club Brugge, reigning champions Real Madrid and Slovan.
With Red Star Belgrade and Girona visiting San Siro on either side of Christmas, Fonseca’s side are well placed to claim the coveted top eight finish.
Slovan, on the other hand, remain at the bottom of the league phase table after losing all five games.
Watch highlights from every Champions League match on Wednesdays from 22:00 on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport websites and apps.
BBC One will also broadcast Champions League Match of the Day on Wednesdays from 22:40 to 00:00.
