For Milan, it's been a case of two different stories in their domestic and continental campaigns thus far this season. The Rossoneri are one of two teams who have yet to lose a match in Serie A - the other being league leaders Napoli - and have quickly established themselves as early contenders for the Scudetto.
In the Champions League, it's another story. Back in the competition for the first time in eight years, it's safe to say that things have been nothing short of a disaster for Stefano Pioli's side. Milan opened proceedings with a 3-2 loss to Liverpool, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
As such, their match against Porto was a crunch one. Porto, like Milan, have performed poorly in the Champions League this season, with just one point to their name after two games. Hence, this match was a make-or-break for both sides, with the three points on the table being more than just a mere three points. Indeed, the winner of the Porto-Milan tie on matchday three could see their fortunes reversed drastically, and go from being pretty much out of the competition to possibly making a late push for second spot.
Well, things didn't go Milan's way, as they ended up losing 1-0 to Porto. For some, especially those in the Italian media, as well as for Rossoneri boss Pioli, the goal shouldn't have stood as they feel there was a foul in the build-up to it. However, no such call was given, and now Milan have zero points from their first three games, while Porto have secured a vital win to make it four points and put themselves in good stead to potentially qualify for the round of 16.
Prior to the game, Milan were hoping to avoid losing back to back away games in Europe for the first time in 2012. In losing 1-0 in Portugal, they've not only done just that but also have set another unwanted record.
Indeed, for the first time in club history, Milan have lost their opening three matches in the Champions League. Will they be able to turn this round when they welcome Porto on matchday four? Their European hopes will certainly depend on it.
