Alexis Saelemaekers saw a ‘very intense match from both teams’ when Milan drew 1-1 away to RB Salzburg. ‘The Champions League is very different to Serie A, but we will have our say.’
The Belgium international grabbed the equaliser from 12 yards on a Rafael Leao low ball across from the left, though he was aided by Olivier Giroud literally jumping out the way.
It was necessary after Noah Okafor had put RB Salzburg ahead with a smart run to shake off Pierre Kalulu, while Leao hit the upright in stoppages.
“I am very happy to have helped the team today, it was a very intense match from both teams. I think we had a good performance, we need to continue like this for the next Champions League tie,” Saelemaekers told Sky Sport Italia.
The Rossoneri struggled in the Champions League last season, finishing bottom of their group, and still don’t have a great deal of experience in the competition.
“It is a very different style of football to Serie A, but we have a strong squad and will have our say in this competition. We take it one game at a time and see where we end up, but as always we want to do something wonderful.”
Saelemaekers was the only player in the starting XI this evening who did not also play from the start in the 3-2 Serie A victory over Inter on Saturday.
“I had a difficult period at the start of the season, I kept working, I feel good now and am happy to continue like this.”
Dinamo Zagreb are now top of the Champions League group after their shock 1-0 win over Chelsea.