Champions League Preview: Real Madrid - Milan
Then there is the case of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star’s impressive early performances have led some to claim that there is ‘Ronaldodependencia’, or a dependency on Ronaldo, at Real Madrid. In a side that boasts such a wealth of attacking talent, it is some accusation.
Is it more a case of ‘Ikerdependencia’? Not even Iker Casillas could stop the defeat to Sevilla as his defence went missing countless times, with Sergio Ramos and Marcelo the guilty parties. ‘San Iker’ will make his 100th European appearance for los Merengues against Milan and will be hoping for a clean sheet to mark the occasion.
However, the season is young and the team is largely new. It takes time for players to settle in, but the quality of Kaka and Karim Benzema will show through, even if the latter’s work-rate may be called into question. Manuel Pellegrini is also suffering from a spate of injuries, but the calls demanding attractive football from the new coach are already becoming increasingly loud. Even against the second most successful side in Europe, Real Madrid must win and win well.
Resurgent Rossoneri?
The pressure was mounting on Leonardo to pick up three points against Roma and on his side to finally deliver something that would warrant the term ‘a performance’. Fortunately for Milan, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato led the team to their first victory since their 1-0 win against Bologna on September 20. While the Roma players stamped their feet and bemoaned the refereeing performance, Filippo Inzaghi succinctly summed up his side’s feelings as he said, “It doesn’t bother me – others will talk about it.”
Could this be a turning point in the Rossoneri’s season? It certainly shows more promise than their narrow win against Bologna, who are widely tipped for relegation this year. On Sunday night, Leonardo’s side overcame a one goal deficit to win 2-1, and Ronaldinho showed what he is capable of with a sublime pass to setup the second goal.
In fact, Milan had incredibly only scored once since their last victory – a sign of their strikers’ severe lack of confidence. However, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may have more joy with Leonardo’s 4-4-2 formation after struggling to find his feet in Serie A since his move from Real Madrid, while Marco Borriello’s return to fitness will also be a boost for the Rossoneri.
As is the case with their opposition, the defence remains an issue. Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva are beginning to form a formidable partnership in the heart of the rearguard, but Massimo Oddo and Gianluca Zambrotta’s age is clearly beginning to show. While many sides still have problems at this stage of the season, the test against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu will show just how far Milan have really come.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid
October 17 v Real Valladolid (H) – WON 4-2 (La Liga)
October 4 v Sevilla (A) – LOST 2-1 (La Liga)
September 30 v Olympique de Marseille (H) – WON 3-0 (Champions League)
September 26 v Tenerife (H) – WON 3-0 (La Liga)
September 23 v Villarreal (A) – WON 2-0 (La Liga)
Milan
October 18 v Roma (H) – WON 2-1 (Serie A)
October 4 v Atalanta (A) – DREW 1-1 (Serie A)
September 30 v FC Zurich (H) – LOST 1-0 (Champions League)
September 27 v Bari (H) – DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
September 23 v Udinese (A) – LOST 1-0 (Serie A)
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
The crucial absence for Pellegrini’s side is that of Cristiano Ronaldo, while Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fernando Gago, Alvaro Arbeloa and Christoph Metzelder are also sidelined. Lassana Diarra and Guti have both been reincorporated into training and should both be available for selection.
Probable Starting XI (4-2-2-2): Casillas; Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, L. Diarra; Kaka, Granero; Raul, Higuain.
Milan
Marco Storari is out with a muscular problem, while Oguchi Onyewu, Davide Di Gennaro and Daniele Bonera are all out with long-term injuries. Gennaro Gattuso has been left in Milan in order to recover from a knee injury, but Marco Borriello has returned from his lay-off and is included in the 22-man squad.
Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Abate, Pirlo, Flamini, Seedorf; Pato, Ronaldinho.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kaka (Real Madrid)
It will be interesting to see how Kaka performs against his former side. The Brazilian has not been at the top of his game since his summer transfer, but has still found the net against Tenerife and Marseille. He will know the Milan defence inside-out and will know how to exploit their weaknesses, and this could be crucial.
Ronaldinho (Milan)
‘Dinho’ is beginning to show sparks of what he can do. A marvellous piece of control helped him equalise against Atalanta before he scored a penalty and beautifully setup Pato against Roma at the weekend. The Bernabeu once gave him a standing ovation during his time at Barcelona, and it could be time for him to reproduce some of his best form on one of the world’s greatest stages.
PREDICTION
Real Madrid have to be seen as favourites for this encounter, despite their injuries. The home team have won nine of the previous 11 matches between these two sides, and although the Rossoneri showed their capabilities last weekend, it is likely this trend will continue.
Real Madrid 3-1 Milan
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FK Atyrau
Gyori ETO
Gyori ETO
X
3,10
Beograd
Torpedo Zhodino
Torpedo Zhodino
1
1,37
Elfsborg
Iskra Stali
Iskra Stali
1
1,20
Mypa
Sant Julia
Sant Julia
1
1,04
FC Differdange
FK Spartak Zlatibor
FK Spartak Zlatibor
2
1,25