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AC Milan frustrated in Salzburg days after exhilarating derby win

DeFodi Images / Getty

SALZBURG, Austria (AP) — Seven-time winner AC Milan opened its Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Salzburg on Tuesday.

Milan entered energized by its derby win over Inter Milan and the closing of its latest ownership switch — which includes a minority stake for the New York Yankees.

But Noah Okafor put Salzburg ahead with a splendid goal near the half-hour mark. First, the Switzerland international dribbled through the legs of Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, then he completed a "double tunnel" by shooting through the legs of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Milan equalized before the break when Alexis Saelemaekers had time to control a cross from Rafael Leao before shooting in from the center of the area.

Leao then nearly won it for Milan in stoppage time when he had a shot deflected off the post.

Dinamo Zagreb stunned Chelsea 1-0 in the night's other Group E match earlier.

Milan, which won the last of its European Cups in 2007, finished last in its group a year ago. But after winning its first Italian league title in more than a decade, the Rossoneri entered this year's competition with more confidence.

United States fullback Sergino Dest didn't make much of an impact after coming on in the second half for his Milan debut after joining on loan from Barcelona.

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