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Henderson's rocket gives Liverpool wild 3-2 victory over AC Milan

Simon Stacpoole/Offside / Offside / Getty

There's something about these two teams.

Jordan Henderson's powerful strike from distance handed Liverpool a dramatic 3-2 win over familiar foes AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Milan wrangled a sensational 2-1 lead with goals 110 seconds apart at the end of the first half.

But the Rossoneri couldn't keep up the pressure after the break. Mohamed Salah, who missed a first-half penalty, scored in the 49th minute, and Henderson's howitzer off a corner kick in the 69th decided the first meeting between these two sides since the 2007 Champions League final.

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Fikayo Tomori's unfortunate own goal fired Liverpool into the lead in the ninth minute, and the hosts kicked on from there, firing 13 shots in an utterly dominant opening 15 minutes. Visiting 'keeper Mike Maignan made several fine saves, including back-to-back stops on Salah's penalty and Diogo Jota's follow-up attempt.

Milan looked every bit like a side that hadn't competed in the Champions League in seven years. Stefano Pioli's starting XI came into the match with just 24 career appearances between them. By contrast, Liverpool striker Divock Origi, who made a surprise start Wednesday, had 22.

The seven-time European champions managed to weather the storm - and dealt a few blows of their own. Ante Rebic finished off a sweeping move in the 42nd minute, and Brahim Diaz buried a loose ball on the goal line.

But it was all they could muster on a night that renewed a famous European rivalry.

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