For a fleeting moment, it seemed Real Madrid might stage yet another one of their legendary comebacks. When Antonio Rüdiger’s strike found the net with just eight minutes remaining, the familiar sense of anticipation surged through the Santiago Bernabéu. But it was quickly stifled. VAR ruled Rüdiger offside, and the illusion of a comeback vanished. AC Milan’s lead remained intact, their victory deserved and unchallenged.
Goals from Malick Thiaw, Tijjani Reijnders, and Álvaro Morata secured Milan a crucial 3-1 win over a sluggish Madrid side, marking Real Madrid’s first Champions League loss at home since Chelsea’s win in 2022. For manager Carlo Ancelotti, it was a sobering reminder of Madrid’s vulnerabilities. “We have to be worried,” Ancelotti admitted post-game. “We’re lacking something.”
Milan Dominates a Disjointed Madrid
Milan’s victory was no fluke. Their dominance was evident from the outset as they took control of the midfield and held their ground against Madrid’s lackluster defense. Christian Pulisic and Morata, both in fine form, kept the Madrid defense scrambling, exposing gaps and weaknesses rarely seen at the Bernabéu. Pulisic, in particular, was a standout, orchestrating Milan’s attack with precision and creativity.
After just 11 minutes, Milan found their breakthrough. Morata, showing great vision, played a perfect outside-foot pass to Rafael Leão, whose resulting shot deflected for a corner. Pulisic’s corner kick found Thiaw, who rose unchallenged to head home the opening goal. Madrid’s defense looked passive, allowing Milan to dictate the game’s pace.
In contrast, Madrid’s usual fighting spirit seemed missing. They briefly rallied when Kylian Mbappé forced a save from Mike Maignan, and Vinícius Júnior equalized with a penalty in the 23rd minute. Yet, this proved to be only a brief flicker, rather than the start of Madrid’s trademark comeback.
Reijnders and Morata Extend Milan’s Lead
After Madrid’s equalizer, Milan quickly reasserted control. Their midfield pressed high, winning second balls and advancing up the pitch with ease. Reijnders and Theo Hernández repeatedly found pockets of space, moving forward almost unopposed as Madrid’s players failed to close down.
When Pulisic orchestrated another attack, Milan sliced through Madrid’s defense with surgical precision. A quick pass to Leão set up the forward for a shot, which Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin saved, but only for Morata to bury the rebound. For Morata, once a target of Madrid fans’ derision, the goal was sweet redemption. The former Madrid player briefly silenced the crowd with a “V” gesture, his tribute to Valencia’s recent flood victims.
While Madrid scrambled for a response, Milan remained unfazed. Even with substitutions—Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz entering after halftime—the energy and urgency Madrid needed never materialized. Milan, on the other hand, controlled possession and continued pressing forward, rendering Madrid’s defensive adjustments ineffective.
Madrid’s Troubled Defense Exposed
Madrid’s defensive woes were glaring. Milan’s attack exploited a lack of organization and lethargy that permeated the Madrid back line. Even the usually reliable Rüdiger and Éder Militão were caught off guard multiple times, unable to halt Milan’s movement. At one point, Pulisic dribbled more than 70 yards unimpeded, finding Leão, who failed to convert. Yet, the ease with which Milan broke Madrid’s lines was alarming.
In fact, Milan’s 13 attempts on goal marked the most Madrid has allowed from any visiting team in 20 years. And if it weren’t for Lunin’s stellar shot-stopping, the scoreline might have been even more lopsided.
Reijnders, a standout all night, sealed the victory with a third goal late in the match. After a smooth sequence of passes starting from Maignan at the back, the Dutch midfielder found himself in the box, easily sidestepping Madrid’s defenders to slot past Lunin. For Madrid, the late offside call on Rüdiger’s goal dashed their final hope, while Maignan’s save from Díaz further underscored Milan’s dominance.
Ancelotti’s Milestone Marred by Defeat
The night was especially bittersweet for Ancelotti, who equaled Sir Alex Ferguson’s record for the most games managed in the European Cup. But rather than celebration, his 190th Champions League match ended in frustration. “We were too slow, too disorganized,” Ancelotti lamented. “It will be a very long night.”
This loss raises concerns for Madrid as they continue their Champions League campaign. While Ancelotti’s squad boasts big names like Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham, this performance revealed glaring issues. Ancelotti’s challenge will be to re-instill the urgency and defensive solidity that have defined Madrid’s Champions League successes in recent years.
Milan’s Midfield and Morata Shine Amid Madrid’s Collapse
Milan’s performance also showed how effective a well-coordinated midfield can be. Reijnders, Hernández, and Pulisic were relentless, seamlessly linking defense to attack. Their fluid movement allowed Milan to control the game’s tempo and expose Madrid’s frailties.
Even though Real Madrid’s attack included elite talents like Mbappé and Vinícius, they couldn’t breach Milan’s disciplined defense. Milan’s backline held firm, and Maignan’s few saves were enough to keep Madrid’s shots at bay. And every time Madrid inched forward, Milan countered with efficiency and speed, using wide spaces and quick passing to keep the ball moving.
As the final whistle blew, Madrid’s fans had long since filed out, while Milan’s supporters, locked in and chanting, celebrated in a stadium that felt like their own.
Champions League Shake-Up: Where Madrid and Milan Stand
This game leaves Real Madrid facing tough questions and difficult matches ahead. Their loss not only affects their standing in the Champions League but also highlights weaknesses that could impact their domestic ambitions. Meanwhile, for Milan, this win offers a lifeline. After a challenging season, the Italian side found their form, rallying to beat a Champions League powerhouse on its home turf.
With the Champions League group stage nearing its final rounds, every game is crucial. Real Madrid must bounce back swiftly if they hope to contend. As for AC Milan, this victory could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for—a performance that not only revived their campaign but also brought a much-needed confidence boost to a team still finding its feet.
