Serie A: AC Milan Stun Lecce with 3-2 Comeback Victory

AC Milan completed a stunning comeback to defeat Lecce 3-2, with Christian Pulisic scoring twice in the second half.

AC Milan staged an incredible comeback to defeat US Lecce 3-2 at Stadio Via del Mare, avoiding a fourth consecutive Serie A defeat for the first time since April 1986. The visitors initially thought they had taken the lead inside the first minute, but Santiago Giménez's goal was disallowed for offside.

The Rossoneri's fortunes took a turn for the worse just five minutes later, as Lecce scored their first goal in five matches through Nikola Krstović. The striker found the bottom corner from the edge of the box, providing a positive omen for the hosts, who had avoided defeat in six of the previous seven games in which Krstović had scored this season.

Milan come back from two down to claim victory! 🔴⚫#LecceMilan pic.twitter.com/HtQw3QKU37

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 8, 2025

The first half continued to be eventful, with Milan having the ball in the net again, only to be denied by the offside flag. Matteo Gabbia turned in Théo Hernandez's free-kick delivery, but the goal was ruled out, leaving the Rossoneri frustrated. Krstović then came close to doubling Lecce's lead, hitting the post after controlling the ball in the box, as the hosts continued to threaten.

As halftime approached, Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone made a spectacular save to deny Santiago Giménez, one of six crucial stops he made in the first half to preserve his team's lead. Giménez had already seen a goal disallowed and hit the woodwork, and his frustration grew as Falcone thwarted him once again.

Matchwinner Christian Pulisic is the Panini Player of the Match for #LecceMilan 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vqV0yOofuA

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 8, 2025

The Rossoneri's woes continued in the second half, as Giménez struck the post for the third time, latching onto a rebound early in the period. Yunus Musah also squandered a promising opportunity, heading wide from a favorable position. Milan's profligacy in front of goal was punished for the second time, as Nikola Krstović scored his second goal with a brilliant strike from outside the box that found the inside of the post.

However, Milan's fortunes took a dramatic turn when Antonino Gallo inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to intercept a pass. With the deficit halved, Milan were handed a golden opportunity to level the score when Federico Baschirotto committed a clumsy foul in his own area, conceding a penalty. Christian Pulisic stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick, striking the roof of the net to give Falcone no chance and bring Milan back on level terms.

In a stunning turn of events, Christian Pulisic completed an incredible comeback for AC Milan, connecting with Rafael Leão's cross and firing the ball home with just nine minutes remaining. This dramatic winner sealed a vital three points for the Rossoneri, boosting their pursuit of a European spot.

The victory marked Milan's third consecutive head-to-head win over Lecce, who, despite ending their goal-scoring drought, remain precariously positioned above the relegation zone. The three points could prove crucial for Milan in their quest for European qualification, while Lecce's anxieties persist as they struggle to create distance from the drop zone.