Real Madrid 1-3 Milan: Match Highlights & Stats
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a thrilling clash as AC Milan secured a convincing 1-3 victory over Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly match. The Rossoneri showcased their attacking prowess, while Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in a performance that highlighted the need for further adjustments before the season's start.
Milan's Dominance in the First Half
Milan started the match with intent, dominating possession and creating several dangerous chances. Rafael Leao was a constant threat down the left flank, showcasing his pace and dribbling skills. In the 25th minute, Leao's clever pass found Brahim Diaz, who slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois to put Milan ahead.
The Rossoneri continued to press, doubling their lead in the 37th minute. Theo Hernandez, known for his attacking ventures, unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, leaving Courtois with no chance.
Real Madrid's Second Half Fightback
The second half saw Real Madrid come out with renewed energy, determined to reduce the deficit. Federico Valverde pulled one back for the hosts in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse in the Milan backline.
However, Milan quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Christian Pulisic, who entered the match as a substitute, made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net with a well-taken shot in the 69th minute.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Milan dominated possession, recording 56% possession throughout the match.
- The Rossoneri created 14 shots on goal compared to Real Madrid's 9.
- Rafael Leao was a standout performer for Milan, providing the assist for the first goal and creating numerous other opportunities.
- Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in attack, failing to create clear-cut chances for long periods.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
This pre-season encounter offered valuable insights for both teams. Milan displayed their attacking potency, while Real Madrid will need to address their defensive vulnerability and improve their overall attacking efficiency.
The result will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning experience for both sides as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
For Real Madrid, the focus will be on finding their attacking rhythm and tightening up their defense before the start of La Liga.
Milan, on the other hand, will be encouraged by their attacking prowess and will aim to build on this performance as they look to challenge for major honors in Serie A and the Champions League.
This friendly match provided an exciting glimpse into the potential of both teams. As the season progresses, we can expect to see further improvements and exciting performances from both Real Madrid and AC Milan.