Real Madrid 1-3 Milan: Match Stats & Highlights
Real Madrid suffered a surprising 1-3 defeat at the hands of AC Milan in a pre-season friendly match on Wednesday, July 26th. The match, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, saw the Italian giants dominate the reigning Champions League holders, offering a stark reminder that the new season promises to be a challenging one for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Key Highlights:
- Milan took an early lead through a stunning volley from Brahim Diaz in the 25th minute.
- The Rossoneri doubled their advantage shortly before half-time with Rafael Leao finding the net with a powerful strike.
- Real Madrid pulled one back in the 70th minute through Vinicius Junior, who curled a beautiful free-kick past Mike Maignan.
- Milan sealed the victory with a late penalty from Christian Pulisic, who converted after a foul by Antonio Rüdiger.
Match Stats:
- Possession: Real Madrid 58% - AC Milan 42%
- Shots: Real Madrid 14 - AC Milan 10
- Shots on target: Real Madrid 4 - AC Milan 6
- Saves: Thibaut Courtois 3 - Mike Maignan 3
- Corners: Real Madrid 5 - AC Milan 3
- Fouls: Real Madrid 13 - AC Milan 11
Analysis:
While the match was a friendly, the performance from both teams was far from lackluster. AC Milan showcased their attacking prowess, particularly on the counter-attack, with Rafael Leao's pace and trickery proving a constant threat. Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the final third. The absence of key players like Jude Bellingham and Luka Modrić might have contributed to their lack of creativity.
The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Real Madrid, highlighting the need for improvement before the start of the season. Carlo Ancelotti will need to work on his team's defensive solidity and find a way to unleash their attacking potential.
For AC Milan, the victory is a positive sign. Stefano Pioli's team is clearly ready to compete at the highest level, with new signings like Christian Pulisic adding further depth and quality to their squad.
What's Next:
- Real Madrid will continue their pre-season tour with a clash against Manchester United on July 26th.
- AC Milan will face Barcelona in their next pre-season friendly on August 1st.
This friendly encounter provided a glimpse into the potential battles that lie ahead in the upcoming season. While Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back from this defeat, AC Milan will be aiming to build on their momentum and challenge for silverware. The football world is waiting with bated breath for the start of the new campaign.