Real Madrid vs AC Milan: Player Ratings & Review - A Night of Dominance in the Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a captivating clash between two European giants as Real Madrid faced AC Milan in a thrilling pre-season friendly. The reigning Champions League holders showcased their dominance, securing a comfortable 3-2 victory over the Italian giants. Let's delve into the player ratings and review the key highlights of this captivating encounter.
Real Madrid: A Masterclass in Counter-Attacking
Real Madrid's lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Benzema
Player Ratings:
- Karim Benzema (9/10): The French maestro orchestrated Real Madrid's attack with his customary brilliance. His movement, vision, and finishing were exceptional, netting two goals and showcasing his complete mastery of the game.
- Vinicius Jr. (8/10): The Brazilian winger continued his relentless pursuit of excellence. His pace, dribbling, and creativity were a constant threat to the AC Milan defense. His assist for Benzema's second goal was a testament to his growing maturity.
- Aurelien Tchouaméni (8/10): The young midfielder dominated the midfield battle, displaying impressive composure and tactical awareness. His passing range and ability to break up play were crucial to Real Madrid's control.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): The Uruguayan provided tireless energy and dynamism on the right flank. His tireless runs and willingness to press high made him a vital cog in Real Madrid's pressing game.
- Eder Militao (7/10): The Brazilian center-back was a rock at the back. His aerial prowess, timely interceptions, and composure under pressure ensured Real Madrid's defensive solidity.
- Thibaut Courtois (6/10): The Belgian goalkeeper made a crucial save in the first half, but was otherwise relatively untroubled by AC Milan's attack.
Highlights:
- Real Madrid's efficient counter-attacking was a delight to watch. They exploited Milan's high line with speed and precision, leaving their opponents chasing shadows.
- The interplay between Benzema, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo was a joy to behold. Their movement, passing, and understanding were truly exceptional.
- Tchouaméni's presence in midfield provided the necessary control and balance for Real Madrid, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game.
AC Milan: A Resilient Performance, But Ultimately Outmatched
AC Milan lineup: Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Diaz, Leao; Giroud
Player Ratings:
- Rafael Leao (8/10): The Portuguese winger was AC Milan's most dangerous player. His pace, dribbling, and directness caused constant problems for Real Madrid's defense. He scored a stunning goal with a powerful strike from outside the box.
- Theo Hernandez (7/10): The French full-back provided attacking thrust down the left flank. His overlapping runs and dangerous crosses kept Real Madrid's defense on their toes.
- Olivier Giroud (7/10): The French striker posed a constant aerial threat, and his clever movement created opportunities for his teammates. He also scored a goal from close range.
- Sandro Tonali (6/10): The Italian midfielder battled hard in midfield but was ultimately overpowered by Real Madrid's superior strength and dynamism.
Highlights:
- AC Milan's resilience and determination were evident throughout the game. They fought hard and never gave up, even when facing a two-goal deficit.
- Leao's individual brilliance was a highlight for AC Milan, showing why he is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
- The partnership between Leao and Theo Hernandez on the left flank was a constant threat to Real Madrid's defense.
Conclusion: A Positive Start for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's victory against AC Milan was a resounding statement of their intent for the season. Their dominance in midfield, clinical finishing, and impressive counter-attacking were a joy to watch. While AC Milan put up a valiant fight, they were ultimately outclassed by a Real Madrid team that is clearly ready to challenge for all trophies once again.
This pre-season friendly provided valuable insights into both teams' strengths and weaknesses. Real Madrid will be hoping to carry this momentum into the new season, while AC Milan will be looking to address their vulnerabilities and challenge for the Serie A title.