Christian Pulisic, AC Milan on verge of suffering Champions League elimination

AC Milan enjoyed a sensational run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals last season, but could very well be out of Europe all together by Christmas.

The Rossoneri suffered a 3-1 Matchday 5 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, falling to bottom of F. Christian Pulisic started and played 90 minutes in Stefano Pioli’s squad, but the American couldn’t help AC Milan avoid a second group stage loss.

Marco Reus’ 10th minute penalty kick boosted the visitors in front 1-0 before Samuel Chukwueze equalized for the Rossoneri in the 37th minute. However, Borussia Dortmund would flip the match in its favor for good just before the hour mark.

19-year-old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens propelled Edin Terzic’s men in front after 59 minutes before Karim Adeyemi came off the bench and added an insurance goal just 10 minutes later.

Pulisic registered two offensive chances and one shot on target in his 90 minutes on the field, but overall struggled to win his indivdual battles. The 25-year-old is only two matches back from a slight injury, which forced him to miss November international duty.

Fellow U.S. men’s national team teammate Yunus Musah was suspended for the match while Gio Reyna did not feature off the bench for Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund has clinched a Round of 16 berth with the result, while AC Milan needs to defeat Newcastle United at St. James Park on Dec. 13 to have any chance of remaining in this season’s competition. Both AC Milan and Newcastle United are level on five points apiece heading into the Matchday 6 clash.

Pulisic and AC Milan turn their attentions towards Frosinone on Saturday in Serie A play.