Milan’s journey in the Champions League this season has been a tale of resilience and determination.
After a challenging start, the team secured a crucial victory against Real Madrid, reigniting hopes for a strong campaign.
With a favorable schedule ahead, Milan is now focused on reaching the top eight and securing direct qualification for the knockout stages. Analysts are already revisiting the Champions League odds, recognizing Milan’s growing momentum as they aim to capitalize on the next matches. Let’s now analyze in detail Milan’s performance in the matches played so far, critically examining it to try to guess their future results.
We will walk through their journey, starting from the challenging start Milan faced, up to the promising recent results, which have certainly been aided by a favorable schedule.
A rough start – early challenges VS. Liverpool & Bayer Leverkusen
The campaign kicked off on September 17, 2024, with a tough match against Liverpool. Despite the home advantage, Milan couldn’t keep up with Liverpool’s relentless attack and fell 1-3. It was a harsh wake-up call for the Italian side, highlighting areas that needed immediate improvement.
The second match on October 1, 2024, didn’t bring much relief. Facing Bayer 04 Leverkusen away, Milan struggled to find the back of the net and suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat. At this point, fans and analysts were beginning to question whether Milan could recover in time to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
The turning point – Milan fights back Vs. Club Brugge & Real Madrid
On October 22, 2024, Milan played home vs the Belgian Club Brugge. This turned out to be a very important match. Milan destroyed Club Brugge with aggressive attacks and secured a 3-1 win with Pulisic scoring at the 34 minute followed by Reijnders scoring 2 goals in the second half. This win was a huge boost for the supporters.
Arguably the most critical match of the campaign came on November 5, 2024, against Real Madrid. Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Milan delivered a masterclass performance. Goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Álvaro Morata, and Malick Thiaw sealed a stunning 3-1 victory. Even Morata said after the match that “they had to fight like lions”. This triumph against one of Europe’s giants marked a turning point, showcasing Milan’s potential to compete at the highest level.
Building Momentum Vs. Slovan Bratislava & Crvena zvezda
November 26, 2024, saw Milan travel to face Slovan Bratislava. It was a closely fought contest, but Milan emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. This match further solidified their position in the group, keeping their knockout stage aspirations alive.
In their final group stage match on December 11, 2024, Milan hosted Crvena zvezda. Once again, the team rose to the occasion, clinching a 2-1 win. The result capped off a strong finish to the group stage, leaving Milan well-placed to advance.
On January 3rd, Milan beat Juventus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the semi-final of the Italian Super Cup with a 1-2 result. In the final, on January 6, they beat their bitter rivals and 'cousins', Inter, in a thrilling 2-3 comeback under the guidance of head coach Sérgio Conceicao.
Looking ahead – the quest for the top 8
With a new coach in place instead of Paulo Fonseca, Milan’s focus shifts to reaching the Champions League’s top eight. Their resurgence in form and favorable fixtures ahead have positioned them as serious contenders. Fans and pundits alike are optimistic, but the road to glory is never easy.
What Key Factors for Success Are Fans Expecting?
- Team Cohesion: The squad must maintain the unity and fighting spirit that fueled their comeback.
- Tactical Discipline: Managerial strategies will play a crucial role in navigating tougher opponents.
- Consistency in Performance: Each match requires Milan to deliver their best to keep the momentum alive.
Conclusion
Milan has a long way to go but their path so far has been very impressive. They have been resilient and their ability to adapt under pressure is admiring. They started shaky but then had an inspiring comeback. So far the team has shown they belong among Europe’s top teams.
As they aim to be among the top eight spots, one thing is clear: Milan is back, and they are here to compete. Only time will tell if they manage to reach their goal, but the determination is undeniable.
