LIVE FROM THE SAN SIRO – UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16
The San Siro was a cauldron of anticipation. Floodlights bathed the historic stadium in a luminous glow, casting long shadows over the immaculate pitch. The air buzzed with the energy of tens of thousands of fans, their voices merging into a symphony of chants, songs, and cheers.
Inside the BT Sport studio, the atmosphere was equally electric. The anchor, clad in a sharp navy suit, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"This is it," he began, his voice resonating with enthusiasm. "The Champions League knockouts. AC Milan versus Sporting Lisbon. A packed San Siro, a young American star in the spotlight, and two proud clubs with very different legacies. Let's delve into it."
The camera panned to the panelists. Peter Crouch, towering even while seated, flashed a grin.
"Back in 2005, this Milan side was something else," he reminisced. "Kaká, Pirlo, Maldini—a super team. They lost that wild final to Liverpool but came back stronger. These days, it's a different team, different energy, but they've still got bite. Young blood, from Leão to Pulisic. Still young but carrying this team."
Rio Ferdinand nodded in agreement.
"They've reinvented well. Leão's explosive, Pulisic is dangerous on that right-hand side. But the player I'm watching tonight," he tapped the desk, "is Kai Alexander. That kid's a problem. Direct, creative, fearless. If he finds space, Milan will struggle."
The anchor added, "He's been electric since joining Sporting on loan from PSG. And interestingly, he's not starting on the wing tonight."
LINEUPS ANNOUNCED
The broadcast displayed the formations:
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1)
Maignan; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Fofana, Leão; Jovic
SPORTING CP (4-2-3-1)
Adán; Esgaio, Diomande, Inácio, Matheus Reis; Morita, Hjulmand; Edwards, Kai Alexander, Liam Delap; Fábio Silva
Crouch raised an eyebrow.
"He's playing as the 10? Interesting…"
Rio smirked. "They remember what he did from that role against Braga. Might be a masterstroke."
"But this is Milan, not Braga." Crouch counted.
We shall see…
TUNNEL – SAN SIRO – MOMENTS BEFORE KICKOFF
The tunnel was a hive of activity. Players adjusted their gear, exchanged focused glances, and prepared mentally for the battle ahead.
Kai stood near the back, leaning against the cool brick wall, eyes closed, adjusting his black gloves. Not nervous—just focused.
From the opposite side, Christian Pulisic approached, a grin spreading across his face.
"Yo," he greeted, pulling Kai into a quick hug. "Crazy seeing you here."
Kai grinned back. "Bro, same. You've been killing it. I seen that goal you scored against Atalanta on the weekend."
"Thanks, man. You ready for the March camp?"
"Can't wait."
"I'll follow you after this," Pulisic added. "Instagram. Let's stay connected."
"Bet."
A whistle blew in the tunnel. Time to walk out.
KICKOFF – SAN SIRO – 0:00
The Champions League anthem roared across the stadium, reverberating through every corner. The players emerged onto the pitch, greeted by a wall of sound from the passionate fans.
The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the match.
AC MILAN with early dominance.
Milan came out aggressively, pressing high and moving the ball with intent. Leão, stationed on the left, immediately tested Esgaio with his pace and dribbling.
In the 3rd minute, Leão cut inside and unleashed a shot that sailed just over the bar. Moments later, Pulisic danced past Matheus Reis and delivered a low cross that narrowly missed Jovic's outstretched foot.
Sporting struggled to maintain possession, with Milan's midfield duo of Bennacer and Loftus-Cheek dictating the tempo.
Kai found himself closely marked by Fofana, who shadowed his every move. Despite his efforts to find space, Fofana's physicality and positioning kept him contained.
15th Minute – CLOSE CALL FOR MILAN
Pulisic received the ball on the right flank, executed a step-over to beat Matheus Reis, and drove towards the byline. He cut the ball back to the edge of the box, where Loftus-Cheek met it with a first-time shot.
Adán, Sporting's veteran goalkeeper, reacted swiftly, diving to his left to parry the ball away. The rebound fell to Fofana who had left Kai for the time being, whose follow-up shot was blocked by Inácio.
The crowd erupted in applause for the thrilling sequence.
25th Minute – SPORTING'S FIRST FLASH
Kai, seeking to shake off Fofana's tight marking, drifted to the left wing. Morita spotted the movement and played a quick one-two with Kai, who then cut inside and curled a shot towards the far post.
Maignan, demonstrating his agility, leaped to tip the ball over the bar. It was Sporting's first significant attempt, and it lifted the team's spirits.
30th – 45th Minute – GRIND
Milan continued to dominate possession, with Leão and Pulisic stretching Sporting's defense. However, Diomande and Inácio held firm, intercepting crosses and blocking shots.
Kai, despite being closely monitored, began to find pockets of space. He linked up with Edwards and Silva, attempting to orchestrate attacks, but Milan's defensive organization limited their effectiveness.
In the 42nd minute, Leão unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing Adán into another save.
The referee blew the whistle for halftime.
HALFTIME: AC MILAN 0 – 0 SPORTING CP
Back in the BT Sport studio, the panel analyzed the first half.
"Sporting are lucky it's still 0-0," said Crouch. "Milan have had the better chances."
Rio nodded. "But they'll be encouraged. Kai's only had one real moment—and it was dangerous. If he grows into the second half, we might see magic."
The camera returned to the San Siro, where players headed into the tunnel, preparing for the second half.
Kai kept his head down, determination etched on his face.
The second half was coming.
And he was just getting started.