In a remarkable display of tactical efficiency and clinical finishing, AC Milan secured a memorable 3-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Rafael Leão delivering a masterclass performance that earned him a spectacular 9.2 rating.
The Rossoneri struck first through Malick Thiaw in the 12th minute, capitalizing on Christian Pulisic’s creative work. Although Vinícius Júnior equalized from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata came back to haunt his old club, restoring Milan’s lead in the 39th minute after a brilliant assist from Leão.
The second half saw Milan strengthen their grip on the game when Tijjani Reijnders sealed the victory in the 73rd minute, again assisted by the unstoppable Leão. Mike Maignan was exceptional between the posts, earning a 7.9 rating with nine crucial saves that frustrated Madrid’s attacking efforts.
Despite controlling 57% of possession and completing 477 passes to Milan’s 350, Real Madrid struggled to convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances. The hosts’ frustration showed in their disciplinary record, picking up four yellow cards including ones to Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Milan’s defensive unit, led by Fikayo Tomori (7.7) and the impressive Emerson Royal (8.7), stood firm against Madrid’s star-studded attack. The midfield trio of Yunus Musah, Yacine Fofana, and Reijnders controlled the tempo effectively, while Pulisic (8.2) and Leão terrorized Madrid’s flanks throughout the match.
Carlo Ancelotti’s attempts to change the game’s momentum with substitutions, including the introduction of Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz at halftime, proved ineffective. Even Jude Bellingham, who has been in sensational form this season, found himself substituted in the 74th minute after struggling to make his usual impact.
The victory was particularly impressive considering Milan’s possession of just 43%, demonstrating their clinical efficiency with nine shots on target from 14 attempts, compared to Madrid’s ten shots on target from 23 attempts. A disallowed goal for Madrid’s Rüdiger in the 81st minute due to offside summed up the hosts’ frustrating evening.
This result marks a significant statement of intent from Milan in their European campaign, while raising questions about Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities this season.
