USMNT star Pulisic saves Milan again in dramatic Serie A comeback | OneFootball

AC Milan took the win, but not without a fight. In another comeback for the ages, the Rossoneri reversed a 1-0 disadvantage to defeat Como 2-1 at San Siro, earning three points that leave them well and truly in the hunt for European football next season. And if one name was behind this comeback, it was Christian Pulisic. The USMNT phenom again rose to the task, scoring a crucial goal to ignite the turnaround and affirming his worth once more to the Italian team.

If the win against Lecce last round already spoke of a revival, then the match against Como showed an obstinate team yet to hit top form. Milan were sluggish out of the gate, saw Da Cunha score the visitors' opening goal, and found it hard to respond. But as is the trend with this second half of the season, when Pulisic makes his appearance, everything changes.

Milan dozes through the first half and is made to pay

Como went out there fearless. Playing aggressively and well-drilled, the visitors made it clear that they were not here to make up the numbers. Milan, though, looked tired, doing the same things which have been a problem to them all season.

The Rossoneri were punished in the 33rd minute as Lucas Da Cunha provided a flawless ball, leaving Maignan without any chance. It was a cruel blow to the Rossoneri, not only because they were unable to create chances, but also because they were watching their opponents almost doubling the score during the start of the second half. Da Cunha once again scored, but an offside decision saved Milan from sliding even further into the abyss.

Whereas the first half was slow, the second half saw a change of pace. And that's when Pulisic took center stage.

Christian Pulisic sparks Milan comeback

There are a few players who step up to the plate when the team most needs them, and Christian Pulisic has been exactly that for Milan. At the 53rd minute, the No. 11 teamed up with a well-timed pass from Tijjani Reijnders and, with a serene half-volley shot, pulled the Rossoneri back into parity. It was not just a goal but a firebrand which galvanized Milan's energy on the field.

Then Milan kept going. The pressure mounted, and the home team started to take control. In the 69th minute, Reijnders was inches away from scoring an amazing goal, which struck the crossbar. The crowd felt it, the momentum was gathering.

And it arrived in the 75th minute. Tammy Abraham, on the bench, earned his stay by delivering a pass to Reijnders, who this time did not go amiss. The ball sailed into the net, and San Siro erupted. Milan had turned the game around.

A decisive win and an irresistible Pulisic

The final minutes weren’t without drama. Cutrone came close for Como, forcing Maignan into action to preserve Milan’s lead. In stoppage time, Como was reduced to 10 men after Alli saw red, making Milan’s job easier in the closing moments.

With the final whistle, the numbers ratified the significance of the result. This was Milan's fourth consecutive Serie A victory over Como, a feat that had not been accomplished since the 1950s.

And amidst all of it, Pulisic goes on to show why he's a critical piece for this team. With 9 goals and 6 assists, USMNT star is Serie A's highest-scoring midfielder in the year so far. His statistics only go to show that this has been his best individual campaign in Europe's top division.

Now with the international football break approaching, Pulisic focuses on the Concacaf Nations League, where he will again be a key component for the United States in the tournament semifinals.