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Christian Pulisic's mind-bending Olimpico goal helps lift Milan over Brugge in Champions League play

Pulisic scored direct from a corner kick in a Champions League match Tuesday, his 7th goal for Milan this season across all competitions

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic reacts after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between AC Milan and Club Brugge at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calani)
Christian Pulisic scored his seventh goal for AC Milan this season across all competitions on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Antonio Calani)

Christian Pulisic's stellar season for AC Milan continued on Tuesday, with the American midfielder pulling off an Olimpico goal in Champions League play.

In the 34th minute of Milan's matchup against Belgian club Club Brugge, Pulisic's stunning corner kick twisted past multiple players and directly into goal. The score gave Milan an early 1-0 lead over Brugge.

The Olimpico marks Pulisic's seventh goal this season for Milan across all competitions, in just 11 games. He also has three assists, tied for first on the team.

Shortly after Pulisic's goal, Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika was sent off with a red card after a studs-up tackle. The extra man and Pulisic's point gave Milan an advantage heading into the second half.

Kyriani Sabbe got one back for Brugge in the 50th minute, keeping the game alive. But Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders followed it up with two goals to give Milan the 3-1 win.

Pulisic's skilled and somewhat fluky goal comes at an odd time for the American star, who helped lead the USMNT and new head coach Mauricio Pochettino to a win last weekend but left the U.S. camp early to return to his club. Without their star, the USMNT lost 2-0 to Mexico; Pulisic, meanwhile, helped Milan to a tough 1-0 win over Udinese on Oct. 19, and now is playing a key role for the team in the UCL.

Heading into this matchup, Milan is fourth in the Serie A standings, having won four of its last five games. The team was 0-2 in Champions League play heading into Tuesday's game; Brugge was 1-1.