In Salzburg, where European nights often carry the edge of a Champions League occasion, Milan restored its Europa League campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg. Alphadjo Cissé, still only 19, supplied the defining performance with a first-half double and a third after the interval, before Gonçalo Ramos completed an emphatic Italian evening in Austria.
Key takeaways
- Milan responded to their opening Europa League defeat against Benfica by winning 4-0 in Salzburg.
- Alphadjo Cissé scored all three of his goals before the hour mark.
- Hutchinson, Davide Bartesaghi and Adrien Rabiot each created a goal for the teenage forward.
- Gonçalo Ramos added Milan’s fourth after a high recovery by Jashari.
- At 19 years and 358 days, Cissé became the youngest Italian to score at least three times in one match in Europe’s major club competitions.
Cissé settles the contest early
Rúben Amorim’s Milan began with intent and had the match under their control inside the opening quarter-hour. Hutchinson broke forward down the right and delivered an inviting cross, which Cissé guided home with a precise header.
The young striker struck again soon afterwards. Bartesaghi’s pass reached Cissé in the penalty area and he finished from close range to give Milan a two-goal cushion before Salzburg could find a response.
The hosts did have a major opportunity to alter the evening after the restart, coming close to a goal that would have reopened the contest. Instead, Milan moved straight upfield and made the decisive reply. Rabiot’s delivery found Cissé, who converted from close distance to complete his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt.
Changes bring a fourth goal
With the game secure after the hour, Amorim turned to several established names from the bench. Luka Modric, again among the substitutes after recent matches, was introduced alongside Christian Pulisic and Ramos.
Ramos delivered the final blow. Jashari won possession near the Salzburg box, allowing the forward to collect the ball and place a left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper for Milan’s fourth.
Cissé remained the central figure, however. His three-goal display not only transformed Milan’s night after the Benfica setback, but also placed him in the European record books as the youngest Italian player to register three or more goals in a single match in the continent’s leading club tournaments.
