This Tuesday, the Santiago Bernabéu will host one of the most eagerly awaited Champions League duels: Real Madrid against Milan. On one side, the Spanish giant, energized by Vinícius Júnior's recent standout performance. On one hand, Milan fighting through a roller coaster Serie A season and hoping to repeat their historic 3-2 win from 2009; on the other, Real Madrid has a particular mission going into this match: to prove the 4-0 blowout loss to Barcelona was an exception. That's where Carlo Ancelotti's strategy comes in.
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Vinícius Júnior: The Star Who Shined When It Mattered Most
If one player is carrying Real Madrid, it's Vinícius Júnior. The performance against Borussia Dortmund shut the critics and displayed emerging maturity on the pitch, especially after a hat-trick that turned around what seemed like a lost game. Coming back from 2-0 down, Vini Jr. has also shown he is a crucial piece for Ancelotti's lineup; the Italian coach really trusts his young star.
Countless unforgettable moments have been etched in Bernabéu's memory over the decades, but Vinícius's display managed to leave a special mark. He was, quite literally, the breath of life Real needed, injecting energy and intensity into a game that looked compromised. And that is just the intensity Ancelotti wants to see from the very start against Milan, one that prevents them from being "switched off" at the beginning and forces them to claw their way back from behind.
Ancelotti's Strategy to Avoid Slipping Further
Carloe Ancelotti is the name taken with respect all over Europe, having won a number of titles with Milan and Real Madrid. The Italian coach knows that his team needs to be at their best when they take on the Rossoneri on Wednesday. Talking about the game against Dortmund, Ancelotti acknowledged that Real can't afford a slow start and wait until they are two goals down before reacting. "It's fundamental to begin well, more concentrated and with intensity, not to reach the pitch waiting to go 2-0 down," the coach said.
But that's a challenge nonetheless-with injured Carvajal, Courtois, Rodrygo, and Alaba added to the question marks over Rudiger's availability, Ancelotti might need to park the bus and set up a more solid backline to cover for the missing starters. The fact that even a below-par Milan side can pull surprises, especially with the likes of Pulisic, Rafael Leão, and Morata all ready to stamp their mark on a high-stakes game like this, calls for an added precaution.
Milan: Fighting Against the Odds and an Uneven Season
Milan was once one of the absolute powerhouses of Europe but is having a mediocre season in Serie A. Currently seventh, there is immense pressure on their head coach Paulo Fonseca to make sure his squad delivers in European competitions, coupled with improving their status in the Italian league. The win over Real in Bernabéu would be a monumental feat for him, and the morale boost to a team striving to find its identity.
With the sidelined key players, such as Jovic, Florenzi, Gabbia, and Bennacer, Milan will welcome back Tammy Abraham, although it is more likely that Morata goes on with leading the attack. History has it that Milan hasn't been all that great against Real at the Bernabéu, considering they have only won once at Real's home ground in the group stage of the Champions League 2009/10 with Alexandre Pato the hero of that memorable victory. Now, another star must step to the fore.
Real Madrid's Chance to Show Barcelona Loss Was an Anomaly
For the Merengues, the match against Milan is not about the points tally in the Champions League; it is one for redemption. The last game Real played at the Bernabéu was a nightmare: a resounding 4-0 defeat to arch-rival Barcelona. Therefore, the flooding of eastern Spain that forced a postponement of their engagement with Valencia has availed Real Madrid an opportunity for recovery and leaving that painful memory behind.
Ancelotti must ensure Real steps onto the pitch with a winning mentality. It is the perfect opportunity to show the fans that the team are focused on progression in the Champions League, and that the disastrous classic was just that-a blip.
The Historic Rivalry Between Real Madrid and Milan
Real Madrid and Milan have innumerable epic tussles in the Champions League. Remarkably, their European competitions record against each other is well balanced, with each winning six matches apiece with three draws. This statistical tie will add a special ingredient to Tuesday's matchup between the two clubs, both giants in their respective countries and with glorious records on the European stage. Still, in recent clashes, Real has had the upper hand, and Milan know they'll have to be almost faultless if they want to defeat their rival at the Bernabéu.
The victory against Milan means much more than three points taken for Real Madrid, and it's about reaffirming their positions of one of the favorites of the title. On the other hand, victory for Milan means much more-than simple passing on; it is an opportunity to make something more and to show they are capable of contending in the best of Europe, toe to toe.