Predictions UEFA Champions League - AC Milan vs Club Brugge

UEFA Champions League - AC Milan vs Club Brugge
Match Time: 22-10-2024 23:45 Tuesday  (GMT+7)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Having succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in their first continental contest under Paulo Fonseca, losing to Premier League high-fliers Liverpool at San Siro, Milan went on to suffer another setback last time out.

The Rossoneri were beaten 1-0 by Bayer Leverkusen, as a second-half strike from Victor Boniface ensured all three points would go the German champions' way, leaving Fonseca's side empty-handed again.

Stretching back over several years, Milan have won only nine of their last 33 games at Europe's elite level, and another defeat this week would see the once-mighty side lose their first three matches of a Champions League campaign for just the second time to date.

At several different clubs, Fonseca has now won only one of his last nine in UEFA's top club competition, and he is sorely in need of another win on Tuesday evening, given a mixed start to his stay at San Siro.

On their return from the international break, Milan beat Udinese 1-0 at the weekend - recording just their fifth win in 19 games via Samu Chukwueze's early goal - despite playing over an hour with 10 men after the dismissal of midfield dynamo Tijjani Reijnders.

As a result of that determined display, the Rossoneri remain undefeated through four home fixtures in Serie A this season, winning each of their last three without conceding a goal.

Following their 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz at the start of October, Club Brugge can travel to Italy's second city boasting a similarly impressive away record during the past year - certainly in the Champions League.

The Belgian side have not lost any of their last four group or league games on the road - all without shipping a single goal - while two previous visits to Milan also brought clean sheets.

After a goalless draw in the 1990 European Cup, the Blauw-Zwart enjoyed a memorable 1-0 Champions League win at San Siro 21 years ago, which they will hope to replicate in midweek.

Having lost their opening game of this campaign to last season's beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund, Nicky Hayen's side bounced back by winning in Austria thanks to a fine first-half strike from Christos Tzolis, boosting belief that a playoff place is not beyond them.

Most recently, Saturday's 2-1 league win over Westerlo moved Club Brugge up to fourth place in the Pro League standings, four points behind early leaders Genk.

Now, a big week awaits the Belgian champions, as after facing down Milan they must return home for a high-profile clash with old foes Anderlecht at Jan Breydel Stadium.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Club Brugge