Madrid Universal
·5 novembre 2024
Madrid Universal
·5 novembre 2024
Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League saw Real Madrid drawn up against AC Milan at Santiago Bernabeu in what was the team’s first game after the defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Coming off the humiliating drubbing, the Merengues were expected to come out all guns blazing to turn their situation around and prove a point that they are still the best in the world. It is safe to say, however, that they were far from that on the night.
Milan took the early lead through a stunning Malick Thiaw header before Vinicius Jr drew level from the penalty spot. Alvaro Morata restored the visitors’ lead just 16 minutes later, however, and put the hosts under pressure.
AC Milan were the better side after the break as well, creating multiple chances and even taking a 3-1 lead with Tijjani Reijnders scoring the third.
Real Madrid astonishingly looked nowhere close to a comeback at any point in the game and unsurprisingly slumped to a second straight defeat. Madrid Universal brings you the player ratings from Real Madrid 1-3 AC Milan.
The Ukrainian shot-stopper had a busy night and was regularly tested against the Italian, forced to make four saves including two from inside the box in the first half alone. Not much he could do to stop the opener which the second goal was off a rebound after he saved the initial effort.
Made a sensational save to deny the visitors a third goal early in the second period. Completed the game with six saves to his name.
Mendy was constantly under pressure from Christian Pulisic’s attacking forays, yet racked up no defensive actions in the first 45 minutes. Was perfect with his distribution albeit minimally involved in the final third.
The German was shaky at the back again forming a rather unstable combination with Militao as has been the norm this season. Racked up eight defensive actions and completed 98% of his passes, yet was often placed too high to keep up with the visitors’ pacey counterattacks.
Scored a stunning goal to pull one back late for Los Blancos but had it ruled out for offside.
The Brazilian looked flustered from the get-go and often found himself out of position defending against Milan’s vicious counterattacks.
Was the team’s better defender in the game but still far from his best in terms of decision-making and equally at fault for the defensive collapse.
A very rough night for Vazquez who was put up to a stern challenge against Raphael Leao. While he did better defensively than Mendy, he was also regularly threatened on the break and even allowed the winger space on the flank to get in behind the defence.
Struggled as the game progressed to keep Leao in check and once again highlighted the team’s need for a better defensive option at right-back. Was horrendous in the buildup for the third goal. A night to forget.
The Frenchman was perhaps Real Madrid’s best midfielder in the first half, winning 100% of his duels participated and over ten defensive actions.
Held the team’s fortress and prevented Milan from breaking through the centre but did make an error that in part led to the second goal. Was taken off at half-time.
Played just 45 minutes at the Bernabeu but was far from as influential as he usually is for Los Blancos. Managed just 16 passes throughout the first period in midfield and had just one defensive action, a testament to his off night given the normal powerhouse he is off the ball.
The English midfielder continued his deeper-lying role as has been the case throughout this season for Real Madrid. Worked hard off the ball but simply did not create any chances for himself in front of the goal. Did manage to rack up three key passes on the night, nevertheless.
The Croatian was handed the start for Real Madrid against the Rossoneri but even he struggled to orchestrate the play with his creativity given the disharmony on the field. Completed 94% of his passes, recorded two shots and just two defensive actions with one key pass.
The Frenchman was anything but at his best against Milan as his struggles to make an impact in Real Madrid’s attack continued. Did record a couple of shots on target and decent distribution but lacked the X factor Los Blancos desperately expect of him in terms of finishing.
While his night was good in terms of numbers, he did not pass the eye test as his display on the field showed nowhere as much conviction as his numbers suggest.
The Ballon d’Or runner-up showed no signs of lack of confidence despite being snubbed of the award last week and turned up with a renewed fire to prove his worth. Was the Merengues’ best player in attack, always looking to create openings with his trickery.
Won a penalty to give his side the chance to equalise in the first half and stepped up to the spot himself to make it 1-1.
The youngster did well to up the tempo for Real Madrid after coming on and provided fresh legs in attack that improved the speed of the transition play.
A solid cameo from the youngster who filled into Tchouameni’s boots and put in a great defensive shift in midfield.
A handy appearance off the bench from the youngster who just returned from injury as he showed flashes of brilliance with his creativity.
Solid with his distribution and defensive contributions but did not provide any creativity on the field in a situation where Real Madrid desperately needed impetus in attack.