Milan return to winning ways with emphatic 3-0 victory over Lecce

Milan responded to a difficult week by beating Lecce 3-0 on Sunday and moving back up to fifth in Serie A after the fifth round of the season.

The result ended a run of two successive draws for Milan, who remained unbeaten in the league and moved on to 11 points. It also provided a timely boost after their 2-0 defeat by Benfica in the Europa League in midweek.

Milan controlled the match from the opening stages, with Lecce struggling to build attacks or find effective answers in the final third. The hosts had 73% possession and kept the visitors under sustained pressure, while their goalkeeper Mike Maignan faced little danger and was required to make only one save.

Christian Pulisic put Milan ahead in the 14th minute with his first goal of the season. The United States international ran on to an accurate through-ball from Strahinja Pavlovic before finishing the move to give the home side an early advantage.

Lecce were unable to alter the pattern of the game after falling behind. Milan continued to dictate the tempo and retained control for much of the first half and the opening stages of the second.

The second goal arrived in the 61st minute, when Adrien Rabiot completed a move involving Goncalo Ramos. The exchange between the two players created the opportunity for Rabiot to extend Milan’s lead and put the result firmly in the home side’s hands.

Diego Moreira then ended any remaining doubt in the 73rd minute with a fine strike, completing a three-goal performance that Milan achieved without facing significant difficulty.

Lecce’s clearest opportunity came in the 65th minute, when Pervis Estupinan intervened at the right moment to prevent the hosts from creating a chance that could have reduced the deficit. Aside from that moment, the visitors were unable to pose a serious threat to Maignan’s goal.

Milan’s victory lifted them to fifth place in the Serie A standings and preserved their unbeaten record in the competition this season. It also offered a strong response to their midweek loss, with the side returning to winning form in convincing fashion.