Álvaro Morata is once again preparing to face Liverpool, a team he has never lost against in his career.
Now playing for AC Milan, the Spanish striker boasts an impressive unbeaten record against the Reds, with two draws and one victory from his time at Chelsea, along with a notable performance for Atletico Madrid during the 2019/20 Champions League campaign. It was in that season that Atletico eliminated Liverpool, ending their European dominance and adding to Morata’s growing legacy against the English club.
As Milan readies itself for another high-stakes encounter with Liverpool, Morata is eager to maintain his undefeated streak. This fixture brings back memories of past battles between the two clubs, especially their epic Champions League finals in 2005 and 2007. However, for Morata, this is more than just another chapter in a long history between these clubs—it’s a personal challenge. Reflecting on his past success against the Reds, he said, “I have good memories in the past against Liverpool, but now a new chapter begins.”
Morata understands the weight of the occasion, especially given Milan’s rich history in the competition. “We have the number seven on our sleeve,” he pointed out, referencing Milan’s seven Champions League titles. “It’s a responsibility. We have to improve, but there is a lot of quality in this team and we can grow.” For Milan, this Champions League clash against Liverpool is not only about maintaining their status as European heavyweights but also about proving they can compete at the highest level once again.
When Morata joined AC Milan, he didn’t expect to face Liverpool so soon, especially in such a monumental clash. “When I signed with this club, I didn’t imagine I would play the first Champions League match against Liverpool at San Siro,” he said. “It’s a match that in the past was worth a final, a game that made the history of this sport. We can’t wait to get on the pitch.”
Morata’s confidence is evident, but he also knows the importance of belief within the team. “We have to believe and not be moody,” he said. “We need to play with our ideas. If we don’t believe in it first, the people around us won’t believe it either.” This attitude is crucial as Milan looks to overcome their early struggles this season. Despite having a team filled with experienced players, they have yet to show their full potential. Morata acknowledged this, saying, “We still haven’t shown how strong we are as a team and our individual qualities. We all have an excellent career behind us; we are ready to win and show that we are top-level players.”
Milan’s recent form in Serie A has been less than stellar, with a slow start to the campaign under new manager Paulo Fonseca, who replaced Stefano Pioli over the summer. Fonseca’s appointment marked a new era for the Rossoneri, and while the team has yet to fully click, there are signs of progress. A 4-0 victory over Venezia in their most recent league match was their first win of the season after two draws and a defeat. Morata and his teammates are hopeful that this result is a turning point and that they can carry this momentum into their clash with Liverpool.
However, the challenge is immense. Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, remains one of the most formidable teams in Europe. Their pressing game, attacking prowess, and tactical discipline make them difficult opponents for any team. For Milan, this match represents an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the best, while also providing a chance for redemption after years of underperformance in the Champions League.
Milan has only progressed from the group stage once in the past decade, reaching the semifinals two years ago. For a club with such a storied history in European football, this is a stark contrast to their glory days when they regularly competed for the title. The team and its fans are eager to return to those heights, and a win against Liverpool would go a long way in proving that they are once again a force to be reckoned with.
The atmosphere at the San Siro is expected to be electric, although the stadium may not be filled to its full capacity. As of Monday morning, there were still 20,000 tickets available for the match, despite the San Siro’s ability to hold 75,000 fans. Nevertheless, the fans who do attend will be expecting nothing less than a spirited performance from their team. Milan’s passionate supporters are known for creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, and they will be hoping to play a crucial role in helping their team to victory.
For Morata, this match is another opportunity to continue his impressive personal record against Liverpool. He has faced the Reds in some of the biggest matches of his career, and he knows what it takes to succeed against them. His experience, coupled with his belief in Milan’s potential, makes him a key figure heading into this showdown. “We are ready to win and show that we are top-level players,” he declared.
The significance of this match goes beyond just three points in the group stage. It’s a chance for AC Milan to reestablish themselves on the European stage and for Morata to extend his unbeaten run against one of the most successful clubs in the world. As Milan and Liverpool prepare to face off once again, all eyes will be on the San Siro, where history, pride, and the future of two footballing giants will collide.
