AC Milan Ends U.S. Preseason Tour with Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against FC Barcelona

AC Milan concluded their preseason tour of the United States with an exciting 2-2 draw against FC Barcelona in Baltimore, showcasing a game characterized by two contrasting halves.

The Rossoneri surged ahead early, with goals from Luka Jovic and Christian Pulisic. However, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski quickly responded and scored another in the second half to level the match. The game proceeded to penalties, where Lorenzo Torriani emerged as the hero, making three crucial saves.

Milan’s head coach, Paulo Fonseca, fielded the strongest lineup of the preseason, featuring an attacking trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Christian Pulisic, and captain Rafael Leao supporting striker Luka Jovic.

The action began swiftly, with Milan opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Yunus Musah’s 50-yard run down the right flank culminated in a pass to Samuel Chukwueze, who set up Pulisic. Pulisic’s cut-back was met by Jovic, who buried it at the far post.

Barcelona, however, posed a constant threat. Defensive heroics from Alexis Saelemaekers and Malick Thiaw kept Milan’s lead intact temporarily. Milan doubled their lead six minutes later, as Pulisic converted Rafael Leao’s perfectly weighted through ball from a narrow angle.

Barcelona responded in the 22nd minute, with Lewandowski curling a low shot from 20 yards out into the bottom corner. Milan’s goalkeeper, Lorenzo Torriani, made three crucial saves in the first half, denying Raphinha twice and Lewandowski from close range.

In the second half, Barcelona exerted pressure, and their persistence paid off when Lewandowski netted his second goal following a pass from Pau Victor. Milan made tactical changes, introducing Davide Calabria and Ismael Bennacer for Leao and Jovic, switching to a more fluid front four.

Yacine Adli and Noah Okafor later replaced Pulisic and Musah, receiving warm receptions from the Baltimore crowd. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Torriani’s saves secured Milan’s triumph.

This match concluded Milan’s preseason tour on a high note, leaving fans eager for the upcoming season.