(VIDEO) Pulisic and Gatti’s own goal put Milan ahead of Juventus 2-1

The Italian Supercoppa clash between Milan and Juventus at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promised excitement, and it certainly delivered. What looked to be heading towards a victory for the Old Lady after Yildiz's goal, transformed into a dramatic turnaround in just four minutes of the second half. A lightning-fast double, courtesy of Christian Pulisic and a Federico Gatti own goal, gave AC Milan a lifeline, and now they dream of lifting the trophy.

A First Half Dominated by the Bianconeri

The first half of the match unfolded with Juventus more incisive, controlling the tempo and creating the clearer goal-scoring opportunities. Milan, on the other hand, looked solid defensively but lacked the necessary penetration to trouble the Juventus goal. Juventus's high press made it difficult for Milan to play out from the back, forcing them into long balls that rarely found their target.

The Bianconeri's dominance materialised on the scoreboard thanks to a goal from Yildiz in the 21st minute. The goal came after a well-worked Juventus move, culminating in a precise finish that left Milan goalkeeper Maignan with no chance. With a 1-0 lead, Juventus went into half-time feeling in control.

Four Minutes of Madness: Milan Awaken

The second half began in much the same vein as the first, with Juventus looking to extend their lead and Milan trying to find a response. However, what no one expected was the whirlwind that would erupt in the opening minutes of the second period. In the blink of an eye, the match took a complete U-turn.

First, the figure of Christian Pulisic emerged. The American winger, with a fantastic individual run, managed to cut inside the box and unleash a low, driven shot that nestled into the Juventus net, levelling the score and sparking euphoria among the Rossoneri fans. Pulisic's goal injected a dose of energy into Milan, who surged forward in search of a second.

And just four minutes later, the goal that turned the game on its head arrived. Following a goalmouth scramble in the Juventus area, Federico Gatti, in an attempt to clear the ball, inadvertently steered it into his own net. The own goal sent the Milan bench into raptures and silenced the Juventus support. In the space of moments, the scoreline showed a 2-1 lead for Milan, an outcome unthinkable just minutes before.

Milan Push for Victory, Juventus Seek a Response

With the score in their favour, Milan took control of the match, displaying great confidence and looking to extend their advantage. Juventus, meanwhile, were clearly shaken by the quickfire double and sought to regroup on the pitch to try and reverse the situation. The remaining minutes promised to be nail-biting, with both teams searching for a goal.

The Impact of Pulisic and Gatti's Own Goal

Beyond the final result, Christian Pulisic's performance and Federico Gatti's own goal will undoubtedly be the main talking points of this encounter. Pulisic's goal not only meant the equaliser but also revitalised Milan and gave them the confidence needed to push for the comeback. On the other hand, Gatti's own goal was a bitter blow for Juventus, who saw their first-half lead vanish in an instant.

A Match for the Ages

Regardless of what happens in the remaining minutes, this match will already be etched in the memory of the fans as a game full of emotion and unexpected twists. The Italian Supercoppa treated us to a spectacle worthy of a final, with two teams battling to the very end for victory.

The Atmosphere in Riyadh

The atmosphere at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh was electric. The fans in attendance created a vibrant atmosphere that undoubtedly influenced the course of the match. The unwavering support of both sets of fans added an extra dimension to an already thrilling encounter.

What Remains of the Match

There are still important minutes to be played, and anything can happen. Juventus will push with all their might for an equaliser, while Milan will try to maintain their lead and secure the title. One thing is certain: we are witnessing a captivating end to the match.