Christian Pulisic Leads AC Milan Past Inter With a Derby-Winning Goal — Massive Moment for the USMNT Star in the Milan Derby

Analysis by Hikaru Sakamoto

Nov 24, 2025

Pulisic Delivers the Derby Winner as Milan Edge Inter 1-0 — Maignan’s Heroics Seal the Points

Christian Pulisic was the match-winner in a tight Milan Derby, finishing a rebound in the second half to lift AC Milan past their rivals 1-0. Inter had controlled much of the early play, forcing Mike Maignan into several big saves on Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez.

But the moment that changed everything came in the 54th minute. Alexis Saelemaekers’ low strike was pushed away by Yann Sommer, only for Pulisic to react quickest and tap in from close range — a classic poacher’s finish from the USMNT star.

Inter pushed hard for an equalizer and earned a penalty, but Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s effort was brilliantly denied by Maignan, who also cleared the rebound. The French keeper added another stop late on to keep Milan ahead.

The win moves Milan up to second in Serie A, while Inter slide to fourth.
For Pulisic, it’s another decisive moment shortly after returning from injury — and another reminder of how important “Captain America” has become in Milan’s attack.

Score
AC Milan 1–0 Inter Milan

Scores
(54’) Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
Rebound finish after Saelemaekers’ shot was parried by Yann Sommer.

The Bigger Picture

This derby felt like another confirmation rather than a surprise.
Among Milan supporters, the dominant feeling was simple: Christian Pulisic has fully arrived as a decisive derby player.

There was no sense of shock in how the goal happened — only recognition. The rebound fell, Pulisic was already there, and San Siro collectively nodded in agreement. This was instinct, repetition, and football intelligence converging in one moment. Supporters didn’t talk about luck. They talked about positioning, anticipation, and a striker’s awareness sharpened over time.

What stood out was how routine it felt. Scoring in a Milan derby should never be ordinary, yet that was exactly the point being celebrated. Pulisic didn’t force the moment. He read it, attacked it, and finished it like someone who expects to be there. That confidence — quiet but unmistakable — is what fans latched onto.

This wasn’t about hype. It was about belonging. In matches like this, Milan need players who arrive when the margins are thin. Pulisic did exactly that, and supporters treated it as validation of something they’ve already come to trust.

Fan Reactions

• Eagle emojis flooded the reactions, a familiar symbol whenever Pulisic delivers on a big stage.

• The “Captain America” comparison resurfaced instantly, with supporters saying the moment fit the nickname perfectly.

• Some fans described him as the “LeBron of soccer,” pointing to how dominant and inevitable his impact now feels.

• Several noted how he always appears in the right place, praising his elite instincts inside the box.

• Supporters highlighted his poacher’s DNA, saying he’s already moving toward goal before the shot is even taken.

• Others credited years of experience alongside a traditional striker, sharpening his awareness around rebounds.

• Fans emphasized his football intelligence, noting how he reacted the moment the shot was released.

• A recurring theme was how normal his scoring has become — so consistent that even big goals no longer feel extraordinary.

• On the defensive side, some reactions focused on Inter’s hesitation, saying the tracking was slow and awareness lacking.

• Others pointed to the goalkeeper’s save, suggesting it pushed the ball into danger rather than safety.

• A few supporters broke the sequence down step by step, describing a chain of small errors that Pulisic ruthlessly punished.

What Remains

The goal Pulisic scored in this derby was neither a spectacular strike nor a solo run.
But it was exactly the type of goal Milan needed in this match. After enduring long spells of Inter pressure, he punished the moment a mistake and a defensive lapse appeared. Pulisic fulfilled that role with complete naturalness.

As the shot was taken, he sprinted into the box and reacted first to the rebound off the goalkeeper. That was all. Yet not many players can execute that “simple” action consistently. That is why supporters did not treat the goal as something extraordinary, but rather as something expected — something he is supposed to do.

This was also a match that tested Milan’s defensive focus and concentration. Inter controlled much of the first half and created several dangerous moments, including a penalty. In that context, Pulisic’s goal ultimately defined the entire match. In a tightly contested derby, scoring the decisive goal is a significant fact in itself.

Appearing in the right place in decisive moments, even on the biggest stage and in difficult game states — that is what Pulisic represents to Milan supporters now. This derby simply added another clear example to that understanding.

Source:
ESPN
https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/736894?utm_source=chatgpt.com