The stage was set at San Siro for a gripping encounter between two European giants, Milan and Liverpool, as they locked horns in the opening match of the newly formatted Champions League. Arne Slot's Liverpool, recovering from a recent setback in the Premier League, faced a Milan side led by Paulo Fonseca, eager to prove their mettle on the continental stage.

It was a night of high drama and fluctuating fortunes. The match commenced with a stunning third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liverpool, slotting the ball into the bottom corner with ease. An early shock for the visitors, but Liverpool's resolve remained unshaken.

Liverpool's response was methodical and incisive. They dominated possession, orchestrating attacks with a mix of patience and precision. The defensive frailties of Milan were ruthlessly exploited, allowing Liverpool defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk to score from set-piece opportunities. Konaté's header in the 23rd minute, from a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick, restored parity. Moments later, Van Dijk followed suit, giving Liverpool a deserved lead just before halftime.

The resurgent Liverpool side showcased their tactical versatility, happy to control the game both with and without the ball. Dominik Szoboszlai capped off the performance with a neatly finished goal after a mesmerizing counter-attacking run by Cody Gakpo, whose dynamic play on the left wing was instrumental in Liverpool's attacking success. The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, a testament to their superiority on the night.

On the other hand, Milan's performance spoke volumes about their current state. Despite flashes of brilliance from players like Alvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic, their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cohesion were glaringly evident. The injury to goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a pivotal moment in the second half, further compounded their woes. Maignan collided with Diogo Jota and suffered a knee injury, leaving a 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani to step in for his debut under challenging circumstances.

Milan, though valiant, were left to ponder a performance that highlighted their need for greater discipline and structure. Fonseca's side, despite an optimistic start to their Serie A campaign, now faces the daunting task of regrouping and addressing their weaknesses ahead of fixtures against formidable opponents like Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

The tactical nuances of both teams were on display. Slot's Liverpool emphasized fluidity in attack and robustness in defense, with Ryan Gravenberch emerging as a key figure in midfield. His ability to break up play and deliver incisive passes was critical in shifting the momentum towards Liverpool. Conversely, Milan's 4-2-3-1 formation struggled against Liverpool's high press, exposing their backline to relentless pressure.

The historical significance of the clash was not lost on the spectators. Milan and Liverpool, with their rich pedigree in European football, have collectively secured 13 Champions League titles. The memories of past encounters, particularly the 2007 final, added an extra layer of intrigue to the match. However, on this occasion, Liverpool's modern-day incarnation proved too strong for their Italian counterparts.

From a broadcast perspective, the game was a spectacle. Fans around the world tuned in via Sky Sports and various streaming platforms to witness the high-stakes drama. The pre-match buildup, featuring detailed analyses and expert opinions, set the stage perfectly, while the post-match dissection provided ample fodder for football enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, the implications of this result are significant. For Liverpool, it reaffirms their status as serious contenders in this edition of the Champions League. The performance also offers a morale boost, as they return to domestic competition with renewed confidence. For Milan, it is a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in their quest for European glory.

This encounter at San Siro epitomized the essence of the Champions League—where history meets present, and every match is a narrative of its own. As the tournament progresses, the adaptability, resilience, and strategic acumen of teams like Liverpool will be closely watched. One thing is certain: this season's Champions League promises more enthralling nights of football and moments of unbridled passion.