AC Milan celebrated a remarkable 3-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, marking a major highlight in this season’s Champions League.
With Fonseca’s side dominating both ends of the field, Milan’s clinical finishing and strategic defense proved too much for Madrid to handle.
Goals from Thiaw, Morata, and Reijnders sealed Milan’s triumph, marking a night to remember for the Italian side as they secured three crucial points in Spain.
Milan Strikes First with Thiaw’s Header
Milan opened the scoring in style, capitalizing on a set piece early in the first half. Christian Pulisic, renowned for his precision on corners, floated in a perfect delivery to the near post where Malick Thiaw rose above Madrid’s defense.
His powerful header left Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Lunin helpless, sparking excitement among Milan fans and putting them ahead 1-0.
Thiaw’s goal marked a high point in Milan’s Champions League campaign, demonstrating their strength in dead-ball situations and setting the tone for a memorable night.
Madrid’s Response: Vinicius Equalizes from the Spot
Real Madrid didn’t take long to fight back. Vinicius Junior, Madrid’s star forward, won a penalty in the 23rd minute after a tussle with Emerson in the box.
With his typical coolness, Vinicius chipped the ball down the middle, sending Milan’s Mike Maignan diving to his right.
The Brazilian’s stylish penalty leveled the score, reviving Madrid’s hopes and hinting at a possible comeback. However, Fonseca’s Milan squad maintained their composure, determined to regain their lead.
Morata Capitalizes on Tchouameni’s Error
Milan’s persistence paid off again as they found themselves back in front, this time thanks to a Real Madrid mistake.
Tchouameni, under pressure in Madrid’s defensive third, made a costly error, which Milan’s Alvaro Morata seized upon with a clinical finish.
After Tchouameni’s misplaced pass, Leao took a quick shot that Lunin saved, but the rebound fell perfectly for Morata, who had no trouble slotting the ball into an empty net.
This goal restored Milan’s lead and brought a new level of confidence to the Italian side as they pushed forward.
Second-Half Showdown: Real Madrid Dominates Possession but Fails to Break Milan’s Defense
In the second half, Madrid dominated possession, generating a staggering 2.44 expected goals (xG). Despite their dominance, Carlo Ancelotti’s side couldn’t break through Milan’s organized defense, with Maignan making crucial saves to keep Madrid at bay.
The Italian side adopted a deep, disciplined defensive structure, frustrating Madrid’s forwards and blocking numerous goal attempts.
Reijnders Seals the Victory After Leao’s Brilliant Assist
Milan capped off their outstanding performance with a third goal in the 73rd minute. Rafael Leao, who had been influential throughout the match, made an impressive run down the left wing, shrugging off Madrid’s defenders before cutting the ball back to Tijjani Reijnders.
Reijnders controlled the ball confidently before firing a low shot past Lunin, extending Milan’s lead to 3-1. This goal sealed the victory, sending the Bernabeu crowd into silence and securing Milan’s crucial win in Spain.
RECOMMENDED:
- Slot’s Liverpool Run Riot Against Leverkusen: Diaz Hat-Trick, Salah Assists Seal 4-0 Win
- Sporting CP Topples Manchester City with Gyokeres Hat-Trick, Ends City’s UCL Run
Key Moments and Player Performances
- Thiaw’s Early Breakthrough: Malick Thiaw’s early goal from a Pulisic corner set the momentum for Milan. His powerful header showcased Milan’s ability to capitalize on set pieces against elite competition.
- Maignan’s Goalkeeping Heroics: Maignan made crucial saves throughout the match, especially in the second half when Madrid applied constant pressure. His shot-stopping abilities helped maintain Milan’s lead and frustrated Madrid’s attackers.
- Leao’s Game-Changing Assist: Rafael Leao was instrumental in Milan’s attacking strategy. His quick pace, dribbling skills, and perfectly timed assist to Reijnders highlighted his importance to the squad and his capacity to influence big games.
- Vinicius and Tchouameni’s Mixed Night: While Vinicius managed to score from the penalty spot, Tchouameni’s costly mistake allowed Milan to regain their lead, showcasing the challenges Madrid faced under Milan’s pressing tactics.
- Madrid’s Possession with No Reward: Madrid’s overwhelming possession and shot attempts ultimately went unrewarded, highlighting Milan’s defensive organization and their ability to withstand pressure.
Milan’s Champions League Hopes Brightened by This Victory
This impressive win over Real Madrid not only provided Milan with a vital three points but also boosted their confidence as they advance in the Champions League. With four goals from their past two matches in Europe, Milan is looking like a strong contender in their group.
Paolo Fonseca’s tactics, blending disciplined defense with fast counter-attacking, have proven effective against top-tier opponents, showing that Milan has the potential to compete with Europe’s elite.
With this victory, Milan moves up in the Champions League standings, with Madrid trailing just behind. The win brings Milan within striking distance of advancing to the next stage, and it exemplifies their growth and resilience under Fonseca’s guidance.
Real Madrid Left Searching for Answers
For Real Madrid, this loss leaves the team in a tough spot as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield. While Madrid showed moments of brilliance, their inability to convert possession into goals is becoming a recurring issue.
Carlo Ancelotti will need to address defensive errors and find ways to turn around Madrid’s fortunes in the tournament. Despite being one of Europe’s most successful clubs, Madrid’s Champions League campaign this season has seen mixed results, and they’ll need to improve if they hope to progress.
What’s Next for Both Sides?
Milan heads into their next Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava with momentum and confidence. They’ll aim to build on this victory, focusing on maintaining their tactical approach and solidifying their defense. Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Tijjani Reijnders have proven to be invaluable assets for Fonseca’s squad, and fans will be watching to see if they can carry Milan through to the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will travel to Liverpool, facing a formidable opponent as they attempt to regain their footing. Ancelotti will likely make adjustments to his lineup and address the team’s defensive weaknesses. With stars like Vinicius and Mbappe in the squad, Madrid still has the potential to turn their season around, but this defeat has certainly exposed areas that need improvement.
