Advertisement

Abraham helps AC Milan edge past Slovan Bratislava

Tammy Abraham scores for AC Milan at Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League
Tammy Abraham's second-half effort was his first Champions League goal in four years [Getty Images]

Tammy Abraham scored his first Champions League goal for AC Milan as the Serie A side beat Slovan Bratislava to claim a third consecutive victory in the competition.

The English striker intercepted David Strelec's misplaced backpass before beating goalkeeper Dominik Takac to give the visitors a two-goal lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Christian Pulisic had given the visitors a deserved first-half lead from Abraham's precise pass, but the hosts equalised just three minutes later when Tigran Barseghyan raced clear of the Milan defence and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Paulo Fonseca's team struggled to break down Slovan's resolute defence until midway through the second period, when half-time substitute Rafael Leao collected Youssouf Fofana's through ball and steered a cool finish past Takac.

Abraham netted Milan's third just three minutes later, but Slovan set up a nervy finish when Nino Marcelli sent a magnificent strike into the top corner with two minutes remaining.

However, Marko Tolic's late red card for a second bookable offence all but ended the home side's hopes of salvaging a first point of their European campaign.

Milan have now beaten Club Brugge, reigning champions Real Madrid and Slovan since beginning the group with defeats against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen.

With Red Star Belgrade and Girona visiting the San Siro either side of Christmas, Fonseca's side are well placed to claim a coveted top-eight finish.

Slovan, meanwhile, remain bottom of the league-phase table, having lost all five of their matches.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.