Tammy Abraham’s Late Heroics Secure Super Cup Triumph for AC Milan in Dramatic 3-2 Comeback
A stoppage-time goal from Tammy Abraham sealed a remarkable comeback for AC Milan, as they edged out city rivals Inter Milan 3-2 in a thrilling Italian Super Cup final on Monday in Riyadh. Milan fought back from a two-goal deficit, denying Inter a record-breaking fourth consecutive Super Cup title and leveling the historical tally with eight wins apiece in the competition.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match, played at the King Saud University Stadium, began with a dazzling light show but only burst into life in the final moments of the first half. Inter took the lead when Mehdi Taremi delivered a perfect ball across the box to Lautaro Martinez, who weaved past Malick Thiaw and fired a low shot through Theo Hernandez’s legs, beating Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan at the near post.
Inter doubled their advantage just minutes into the second half. A long ball from Stefan de Vrij found Taremi, who controlled it brilliantly before drilling a powerful shot into the bottom corner, leaving Milan staring at a daunting comeback.
Milan’s Revival
AC Milan responded with intent, introducing Rafael Leao off the bench. Leao made an immediate impact, winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Theo Hernandez stepped up and curled a low effort around the wall, sneaking the ball inside the post to reduce the deficit.
Milan’s relentless pressure almost paid off earlier, with Tijjani Reijnders seeing his shot blocked by Alessandro Bastoni’s face and Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer making an incredible save to deny an Alvaro Morata header. Inter, too, came close to extending their lead, but Carlos Augusto’s header struck the post and fell kindly into Maignan’s hands.
Late Drama and Victory
The turning point came in the 80th minute when Christian Pulisic, surrounded by three defenders, expertly controlled a cross from Hernandez and guided the ball into the far corner to level the score. With no extra time scheduled, the match seemed destined for penalties.
However, Milan had other plans. In the dying moments, Rafael Leao surged down the wing and delivered a precise ball across the goal. Tammy Abraham, perfectly positioned, tapped it in to complete the comeback and crush Inter’s hopes.
Celebration and Heartbreak
New Milan manager Sérgio Conceição, in only his second game in charge after replacing Paulo Fonseca, celebrated jubilantly with his players. Meanwhile, Inter’s players were left stunned, collapsing to the ground in disbelief as their dream of a fourth consecutive Super Cup win slipped away.
A Symbolic Victory
Milan’s victory not only underscores their resilience but also heralds a new era under Conceição, as they aim to build momentum for the remainder of the season. For Inter, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but their performance showed flashes of brilliance that will fuel their domestic campaign.
The thrilling encounter will go down as one of the most memorable Super Cup finals in recent history, a testament to the fierce rivalry between Milan’s iconic clubs.
