Real Madrid - AC Milan: Player Ratings from a Thrilling Encounter
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a captivating clash between Real Madrid and AC Milan on Wednesday night. The two European giants went head-to-head in a pre-season friendly, providing fans with a glimpse of what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Here's a breakdown of the player ratings, analyzing the individual performances that shaped the outcome of this intense encounter:
Real Madrid
Courtois (7): A calm and composed presence, Courtois made a couple of crucial saves to keep Milan at bay. He distributed the ball with confidence, initiating attacks from the back.
Carvajal (7.5): Back to his dynamic best, Carvajal was a constant threat down the right flank. His overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses created numerous opportunities for Real Madrid.
Rüdiger (7): Solid and assertive in defense, Rüdiger commanded the backline with authority. He tackled decisively and displayed his aerial prowess throughout the match.
Alaba (6.5): Composed and reliable, Alaba anchored the left side of the defense. While not as adventurous as Carvajal, he provided a steady and dependable presence.
Mendy (6): A mixed performance from Mendy, who showed glimpses of his trademark pace but also committed some defensive errors.
Camavinga (7): A powerhouse in midfield, Camavinga controlled the tempo of the game with his energetic displays. He consistently won possession and distributed the ball effectively.
Tchouaméni (7): The French midfielder partnered well with Camavinga, forming a formidable double pivot. He shielded the defense with his physicality and contributed to Real Madrid's attacking moves.
Modrić (8): The veteran maestro orchestrated Real Madrid's attacks with his trademark vision and exquisite passing. He controlled the game's tempo and provided a creative spark.
Rodrygo (7.5): A livewire on the right wing, Rodrygo constantly threatened the Milan defense with his pace and dribbling skills. He created numerous chances and deservedly scored a goal.
Vinicius Jr. (8): An electrifying performance from Vinicius Jr., who caused havoc for Milan's defense with his speed and agility. He dribbled past defenders with ease and created numerous scoring opportunities.
Benzema (7): The Real Madrid captain made a positive impact in his limited playing time. He linked up effectively with his teammates and provided a strong presence in the final third.
Substitutes:
Valverde (7): Brought energy and dynamism into the midfield, adding further attacking impetus.
Asensio (6.5): Came on and showed flashes of his technical brilliance, providing a creative outlet in the final stages.
Diaz (6): A solid contribution from the young winger, who impressed with his pace and directness.
AC Milan
Maignan (6): A solid performance from Maignan, who made some key saves to prevent Real Madrid from scoring more goals.
Kalulu (6.5): A dependable presence at right-back, Kalulu showed his strength and composure in defense.
Tomori (7): Solid and composed in the heart of Milan's defense, Tomori dealt with Real Madrid's attacking threats with confidence.
Thiaw (6): The young defender showed glimpses of promise, but struggled at times against Real Madrid's potent attack.
Theo Hernández (7): A constant threat down the left flank, Theo Hernández provided width and pace to Milan's attack.
Krunić (6.5): A hard-working midfielder who provided solidity and energy in the middle of the park.
Pobega (6): Displayed his physicality and tenacity, but lacked the creative spark to influence the game.
De Ketelaere (5.5): The new signing struggled to impose himself on the game, failing to create any clear-cut chances.
Leao (7): A constant danger for Real Madrid, Leao used his pace and dribbling skills to cause havoc for the defense. He scored Milan's lone goal with a brilliant strike.
Rebic (6): A lively presence, Rebic worked hard to create chances for his team but lacked the finishing touch.
Substitutes:
Origi (6): Brought energy and experience to the forward line, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Saelemaekers (6.5): Added pace and directness to Milan's attack, providing a late threat.
Conclusion:
The encounter between Real Madrid and AC Milan was a thrilling encounter, showcasing the talent and ambition of both teams. Real Madrid emerged victorious, displaying a combination of attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.
This pre-season friendly provided a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming season, hinting at a thrilling battle for supremacy in both domestic and European competitions.