Slovan Bratislava 2-3 AC Milan: Tammy Abraham’s goal helps Milan to Champions League victory

Tammy Abraham scored his first Champions League goal for AC Milan as the Serie A side cruised past Slovan Bratislava to claim a third straight win in the competition.

The England striker intercepted David Strelec’s misplaced pass before beating goalkeeper Dominik Takac to give the visitors a two-goal lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Christian Pulisic had given the visitors a deserved first-half lead from Abraham’s pinpoint pass, but the hosts equalized just three minutes later when Tigran Barseghyan ran clear of the Milan defense and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Paulo Fonseca’s side struggled to break down Slovan’s resolute defense until midway through the second period, when half-time substitute Rafael Leao collected Youssouf Fofana’s through ball and steered a cool finish past Takac.

Abraham scored Milan’s third just three minutes later, but Slovan produced a nervous finish when Nino Marcelli sent a superb shot into the top corner with two minutes remaining.

However, Marko Tolic’s late red card for a second bookable offense all but ended the home side’s hopes of salvaging a first point of their European campaign.

Milan have now beaten Club Brugge, reigning champions Real Madrid and Slovan since the group started with defeats to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen.

With Red Star Belgrade and Girona visiting the San Siro either side of Christmas, Fonseca’s side are well placed to claim a coveted top-eight finish.

Slovan remain at the bottom of the league stage table after losing all five matches.