The big day of Real Madrid - Milan match has finally arrived. The ultimate European derby will be played tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the Rossoneri are called to perform a feat against a very strong team—especially in the Champions League—and one that is still reeling from their last match, a 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona.
The Rossoneri team cannot be intimidated but will need to be smart: at this stage of the competition, they know that performance and attitude are particularly important today.
AC Milan with a defensive setup?
There’s no beating around the bush: if Milan wants to have a chance to emerge unscathed from the Real Madrid challenge, they will need to deliver a defensive performance bordering on perfection.
This is the first aspect highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning. In the first half against Monza, the Brianzoli had several opportunities, aided by a Rossoneri defence that was out of balance: this cannot happen at the Bernabéu, against the Champions of Europe, against Vinicius and Mbappé. For this occasion, Fonseca is considering a special lineup with Musah included to provide greater protection for the right flank, which is Real's left side and the most dangerous: the American will take the place of Chukwueze and adopt a deeper position.
This will allow Theo, on the other side, to push up a bit more. The offside trap is also important, one of the keys with which Barça defeated Ancelotti; however, overusing a high line could backfire.
Milan with Leao and Morata on the attack:
Up front, Milan can only rely on Rafael Leao and Alvaro Morata. the Italian newspaper, Gazzetta, immediately raises the pressure on the Portuguese, emphasizing that he should be as decisive as Vinicius and have the off-ball impact of Bellingham. These demands may be a bit excessive for a player with different characteristics.
Certainly, the number 10, returning to the starting lineup, will need to respond to Fonseca and must try to take advantage of a great European night to show he is present. Then there's the great former player Morata, who has the experience and cunning to play in these matches and especially to surprise the Militao-Rudiger pair, who have conceded more than a few chances to Lewandowski, as relayed via Milan News.
There are also extra motivations for Alvaro, who left Spain after facing much criticism at home: one more reason for redemption.
