Softfootball previews Tuesday’s Champions League showdown between Real Madrid and AC Milan, highlighting team updates, potential lineups, and match predictions.
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Match Context:
Real Madrid, looking to rebound from their humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico, faces Italian giants AC Milan as they continue their 2024-25 Champions League campaign. Los Blancos currently hold six points from three matches, sitting 12th in the table, while Milan lags behind in 25th position with only three points.
Recent Performance and Rest:
Real Madrid will enter the match well-rested after their weekend La Liga game against Valencia was postponed due to severe flooding in Spain. This unexpected break means Carlo Ancelotti’s side has not played since their October 26 defeat to Barcelona. As of Sunday, they could find themselves up to nine points off the La Liga lead—adding urgency to their European ambitions.
Despite some struggles, Real Madrid has managed wins against Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund but fell short against Lille, leaving them with six points, trailing eighth-placed Sporting Lisbon by one point. Ancelotti’s squad, eager to return to form, aims for crucial wins against Milan and Osasuna before the international break.
Historical Perspective:
The storied history between Real Madrid and AC Milan features 15 encounters, each side winning six times. Their most recent meeting dates back to the group stage of the 2010-11 Champions League. Notably, Milan’s only victory at the Bernabeu came during the 2009-10 group stage. The two teams’ most iconic clash was the 1958 European Cup final, which ended 3-2 in favor of Madrid.
In recent seasons, Milan’s Champions League outings have been mixed, with initial losses to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. However, their 3-1 triumph over Club Brugge revitalized their campaign. Heading into this match after a 1-0 Serie A victory over Monza, Milan stands seventh in the domestic league, trailing Atalanta by two points and Napoli by eight.
Team Updates:
Real Madrid: The team will be without Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, and David Alaba. Despite injury concerns, Antonio Rudiger is set to play, and Ancelotti will field his best available XI. The formidable duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will likely lead the attack, while Luka Modric may start over Aurelien Tchouameni for midfield control.
AC Milan: Injuries persist with Luka Jovic, Matteo Gabbia, Ismael Bennacer, and Alessandro Florenzi sidelined. However, Tammy Abraham’s return provides a boost, and Rafael Leao is expected to start after being benched against Monza. Emerson Royal and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also likely to return to the lineup, with Alvaro Morata positioned at center-forward to challenge his former club.
Probable Lineups:
Real Madrid:
Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
AC Milan:
Maignan; Royal, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Morata, Leao
Final Thoughts:
Milan’s offensive strength could pose challenges for Real Madrid, potentially breaching their defense at the Bernabeu. However, Ancelotti’s side is expected to recover from their El Clasico defeat and secure another Champions League victory.
