AC Milan’s Primavera side opened up their 2022-23 UEFA Youth League campaign with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Coming into the game it looked like it could well be a mismatch given that Milan’s youth side crashed out bottom of their group in 2021-22 while Salzburg – who are of course well known for their development of young talent – reached the UYL final where they lost to Benfica.
However, it was Ignazio Abate’s men who took the lead early in the first half when some clever play from Hugo Cuenca drew a penalty with the goalkeeper having overcommitted. Captain Coubis converted the spot kick in off the post.
It could have been any scoreline at the break with both sides hitting the woodwork (the Rossoneri with a header, the hosts with a free-kick) and plenty of clear cut chances.
Red Bull Salzburg equalised in the 66th minute as Konate bundled in from close range from a low cross, which on the balance of play they probably deserved.
The game became more and more stretched in the closing minutes as many predict might happen when the senior teams meet tonight, but neither side could find the second goal and the spoils were shared.
