Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu were left in stunned silence as AC Milan delivered a masterclass performance, securing a commanding 3-1 victory. In a match that was meant to be another stage for Real Madrid’s legendary comebacks, Milan flipped the script, showing their strength in attack and cohesion in defense. Álvaro Morata, Malick Thiaw, and Tijjani Reijnders made their mark as the Rossoneri exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities, leaving the hosts facing difficult questions.
Milan Seizes Early Advantage
Milan wasted no time in setting the tone. Just 11 minutes into the match, the visitors capitalized on Real Madrid’s defensive lapses. Álvaro Morata orchestrated a clever play, threading a perfect pass with the outside of his boot to Rafael Leão on the left flank. Leão’s pace pressured Éder Militão, resulting in a corner. From that set-piece, Christian Pulisic delivered a precision cross that found Malick Thiaw. Rising unchallenged, Thiaw nodded the ball into the net, giving Milan a crucial early lead.
Real Madrid’s traditional response to adversity is an immediate surge of energy, and this match was no different. Kylian Mbappé sparked hope with a fierce shot that Mike Maignan palmed away just seconds after the restart. The momentum briefly swung Madrid’s way, and Vinícius Júnior earned a penalty after a driving run into Milan’s box. Calmly converting, Vinícius drew Madrid level in the 23rd minute, but that was where the magic ended for the hosts.
Real Madrid’s Fading Response
Despite the equalizer, Madrid failed to seize control. Their defense remained disorganized, and Milan’s relentless pressing kept them under pressure. The midfield battle was convincingly won by the Italian side, with Tijjani Reijnders roaming freely and dictating play. Madrid’s inability to disrupt Milan’s rhythm became painfully clear as the visitors continued to create opportunities.
Theo Hernández tested Andriy Lunin from distance, and Reijnders came close with a powerful effort. Lunin, Madrid’s last line of defense, was called into action repeatedly, making a series of critical saves. His heroics prevented Milan from increasing their lead sooner, but the relentless waves of Milan attacks eventually proved too much.
Álvaro Morata: The Architect of Madrid’s Downfall
Spain’s captain, Álvaro Morata, delivered a memorable performance against his former club. He showcased his tactical intelligence, dropping deep to assist in Milan’s buildup and creating space for his teammates. His efforts paid off again when Milan’s sustained pressure broke Madrid’s defenses.
Christian Pulisic, whose creativity was evident throughout the match, initiated another slick attacking sequence. He threaded the ball to Rafael Leão, who spun elegantly in the box and fired a shot that Lunin parried. Yet, Morata, ever alert, pounced on the rebound and found the net, restoring Milan’s lead.
Reijnders’ Stunning Strike Seals Victory
Milan’s dominance did not waver, and they continued to exploit Madrid’s lack of urgency. Tijjani Reijnders delivered the final blow with a brilliant long-range effort. His strike from outside the box left Lunin with no chance, capping a night of misery for the Madrid faithful. With the scoreboard reading 3-1, any hopes of a miraculous comeback dissipated.
Antonio Rüdiger’s disallowed goal in the final minutes felt like a cruel reminder of what could have been. As the referee signaled offside following a VAR review, Madrid’s brief moment of optimism evaporated. This time, there would be no last-minute heroics.
Ancelotti Admits Concerns
The defeat marked Real Madrid’s first Champions League home loss since their dramatic clash with Chelsea in April 2022. After the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti didn’t hide his frustration. “We have to be worried,” he admitted, acknowledging his team’s lack of cohesion and defensive frailties. The milestone match, where Ancelotti tied Sir Alex Ferguson’s record for most European Cup games managed, became a sobering reminder of Madrid’s current struggles.
Lunin: Madrid’s Bright Spot in a Night to Forget
While the scoreline could have been far worse, Andriy Lunin emerged as Madrid’s standout performer. The goalkeeper made six crucial saves, denying Ruben Loftus-Cheek and other Milan attackers. In fact, no team has recorded as many shots on target at the Bernabéu in the past two decades. Lunin’s resilience, however, couldn’t mask the larger issues Madrid must address.
A Tale of Two Fanbases
Milan fans reveled in their team’s success, celebrating loudly and joyfully long after the final whistle. It was a night of redemption and relief for the Rossoneri, who had faced criticism coming into the match. By contrast, Madrid supporters left the stadium early, frustrated by the team’s lackluster display. The defeat felt deeper than just a loss; it was about the manner of the collapse. Real Madrid lacked the urgency and intensity that once made them fearsome opponents.
Conclusion: Milan’s Message to Europe
Milan’s commanding victory at the Bernabéu sends a clear message to the rest of Europe: this team is a force to be reckoned with. With Álvaro Morata, Tijjani Reijnders, and Christian Pulisic leading the way, the Rossoneri have found their rhythm. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must urgently regroup and address their glaring issues if they hope to stay competitive in this year’s Champions League.
