Real Madrid 1-3 Milan: A Night of Disappointment at the Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a disappointing night for Real Madrid on Wednesday as they fell to a 1-3 defeat against AC Milan in a pre-season friendly. Despite a late goal from Rodrygo, the Spanish giants were unable to overturn a three-goal deficit, leaving them with a lot to ponder before the start of the new La Liga season.
Milan Dominate the First Half
From the outset, it was clear that Milan were the more organized and determined team. The Italian side pressed high, disrupted Madrid's build-up play, and created numerous chances in the first half.
A brace from Pulisic in the 25th and 30th minute put Milan firmly in control. The American winger showcased his pace and finishing ability, leaving the Real Madrid defense scrambling.
Leao's Goal in the 42nd minute further extended Milan's lead. The Portuguese forward, who was a constant threat throughout the match, received a clever pass from Reijnders and slotted the ball past Lunin.
Real Madrid's Second Half Resurgence
Despite being three goals down at halftime, Real Madrid emerged from the break with renewed energy and purpose. They dominated possession and pressed higher, forcing Milan to defend deeper.
Rodrygo's Goal in the 80th minute gave the Madrid fans a glimmer of hope. The Brazilian winger, who had replaced Vinicius Jr. in the second half, cut inside from the right flank and fired a powerful shot past Maignan.
Despite their late push, Real Madrid were unable to find the back of the net again, leaving them with a disappointing defeat.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Milan's Pressing Game: AC Milan's high-pressing tactics were highly effective in disrupting Real Madrid's possession-based game. This will be a crucial tactic for them in the upcoming Serie A season.
- Rodrygo's Bright Spot: Despite the defeat, Rodrygo's performance was a positive takeaway for Real Madrid. His goal and overall play showcased his quality and potential.
- Defensive Concerns: Real Madrid's defensive frailties were exposed against a clinical Milan side. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will need to address these issues before the start of the La Liga campaign.
This pre-season friendly match serves as a valuable learning experience for both sides. While AC Milan will be buoyed by their impressive win, Real Madrid will need to work hard to address their weaknesses before their La Liga opener. The battle for supremacy in Spanish and Italian football has certainly begun.