'Always believed we would win this game' – USMNT star Christian Pulisic on brace, AC Milan's dramatic comeback win over Lecce

AC Milan narrowly avoided a fourth straight defeat, escaping Lecce with a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to a crucial brace from U.S. international Christian Pulisic. The American emphasized his confidence in a comeback, which ultimately proved to be the catalyst.

“It’s not like we played badly in the first half and that’s the story of the season," Pulisic said after the match. "We play well, we get five or six chances. They get one and score, this is tough. Then, they made it 2-0, but I always believed we would win this game - and that’s what we did."

Pulisic delivered a big performance, scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to lead Milan’s comeback. He first converted a penalty in the 73rd minute to level the score at 2-2 before sealing the win with a stunning volley in the 81st. The victory lifts Milan to eighth place in Serie A, boosting their hopes of securing European football next season.

"Starting from the wing, he feels very comfortable in the central corridor, then it depends on the game," AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao said of Pulisic's performance. "Today he started on the left, he is a player with great technical qualities and very intelligent. He can play behind the striker or on the wings but coming inside is the best position."

The win could be a big turning point for AC Milan and Christian Pulisic as both parties have been on a poor run of form. The Rossoneri were facing a crisis after three consecutive Serie A defeats and elimination from the Champions League.

On the other hand, the American forward had been on a month-long goal drought, last scoring against Parma on Jan. 26 but remains the club's top scorer in the across all competitions with 14 goals.

The comeback win over Lecce sends AC Milan into eighth place as AS Roma have a game in hand but it does give the Rossoneri a chance in the battle for European qualification.

They face Cesc Fabregas’ Como at the San Siro on March 15 next before a trip to Naples to face title challengers Napoli in the league.