AC Milan Dominate Real Madrid: Player Ratings
The San Siro was a cauldron of passion and excitement as AC Milan emphatically dismantled Real Madrid 3-0 in a Champions League clash that showcased the Rossoneri's resurgence and the Spanish giant's vulnerability.
From the first whistle, Milan's intensity and tactical discipline were evident, suffocating Madrid's attack and exploiting their weaknesses with surgical precision. Here's a breakdown of the players' performances, highlighting their key contributions to this resounding victory:
AC Milan
- Mike Maignan (9/10): A rock in the Milan goal. Maignan made several crucial saves, displaying impeccable reflexes and command of his penalty area. His performance was a testament to his world-class ability and provided the foundation for Milan's defensive solidity.
- Theo Hernandez (8/10): A constant threat down the left flank, Hernandez was a whirlwind of pace, skill, and determination. He provided the assist for the first goal and was a nightmare for the Madrid defense throughout the game.
- Fikayo Tomori (8/10): Dominant in the air, Tomori was a wall at the heart of the Milan defense. He expertly nullified the threat of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, showcasing his strength, tactical awareness, and composure.
- Rafael Leao (7/10): Leao's pace and dribbling ability caused Madrid's defense endless problems. He scored a spectacular goal, demonstrating his clinical finishing and his ability to exploit gaps in the opposition's backline.
- Sandro Tonali (7/10): A tireless worker in midfield, Tonali controlled the tempo of the game and orchestrated Milan's attacks. He won crucial tackles, dictated the pace of play, and displayed excellent passing range.
- Brahim Diaz (7/10): Diaz's creativity and dynamism unlocked the Madrid defense. He provided the assist for the second goal and his constant movement and intelligent runs caused havoc in the final third.
- Olivier Giroud (6/10): Giroud was a constant target for Milan's attacks, holding the ball up effectively and creating space for his teammates. He also scored the third goal, showcasing his composure in front of goal.
Real Madrid
- Thibaut Courtois (5/10): Not his best night. Courtois was beaten too easily on a couple of occasions, especially for the first and second goals. While he saved a penalty, his overall performance wasn't up to his usual high standards.
- Eder Militao (4/10): Militao struggled to contain the pace and power of Milan's attack. He looked uncomfortable throughout the game and was culpable for several of the goals conceded.
- Luka Modric (5/10): The veteran midfielder was unable to influence the game as he usually does. He struggled to create chances and was generally subdued.
- Karim Benzema (5/10): A quiet night for Benzema, who was effectively shut down by the Milan defense. He was unable to make any significant impact on the game and failed to find the back of the net.
Overall
This was a complete and utter domination by AC Milan. They were tactically astute, defensively resolute, and clinical in attack. Real Madrid, on the other hand, looked off-color, lacking the usual intensity and creativity. This victory sends a strong message to the rest of Europe: AC Milan are back, and they are a serious force to be reckoned with.
Key Takeaways:
- Milan's tactical discipline and intensity were crucial to their success.
- Real Madrid's lack of intensity and tactical discipline cost them the game.
- Maignan's brilliance and Hernandez's dynamism were key to Milan's performance.
- This victory is a significant statement for Milan's resurgence.
This match will be remembered for Milan's dominance and their ability to outclass a reigning European champion. As the Champions League campaign continues, this performance will surely be a major confidence booster for the Rossoneri.