It was déjà vu all over again for these two sides, as the draw in Monaco on 26th August for the UEFA Champions League saw both Milan and Madrid paired together in Group G.
The 2009-10 edition of Europe’s biggest tournament also saw both these clubs meet at a similar stage in the championship. The game in Madrid on October 21st, 2009 was by far the match of the tournament with the visiting side from Italy narrowly emerging victorious after a howler from their goal stopper Dida had conceded the lead to the home side.
Allegri faces an acid test
The two-time Panchina d’Oro winner, Allegri, faces his first real test at the helm of Milan in probably the biggest match of his career till date as a manager. Milan have finally found their feet under him in Serie A and are tied for the 2nd spot in the league table after 7 weeks, but it will be an altogether different ball game for the Italians when it comes to the Champions League. In his pre match conference Allegri decided to give Madrid’s attack the respect it truly deserves and stated in no uncertain terms his belief that there is no scope for error when his team takes on mighty Madrid. He has a better squad at his disposal than Leonardo ever had last season, so equaling the Brazilan’s 2009-10 achievements as manager is the minimum his bosses, Berlusconi and Galliani, would expect from him.
With 16 European titles between the both of them, Milan legend Franco Baresi was right to christen this fixture ‘The Derby of Europe’. The result of this encounter will ultimately separate the men from the boys, the champions from the chokers. The result at the Bernabeu could very well decide who tops the group, and who emerges second – and with it the risk of facing tougher opposition during the elimination rounds.
Can Milan replicate their performance?
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that, with the inclusion of Ibrahimovic and Robinho in their ranks, Milan possesses arguably one of the most threatening front lines in Europe. Despite that, all indications point to this match being decided in the midfield and unfortunately for the Rossoneri that is a department where Madrid scores emphatically over them.
The aging legs of Gattuso, Seedorf and Pirlo are no match for those of the young, dynamic and creative midfielders from Madrid like Ozil, Xabi, Di Maria, Khedira and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
To make matters worse for Milan, they’re up against their old rival Jose Mourinho who reestablished his credentials as Europe’s best manager with their cross-town rivals Inter Milan last season. Milan surely have their work cut out for them, and conceding on the counter attack has been the biggest weak point for the Red and Blacks this season.
Make most of the weak backline of Madrid
Last season, their tie in Spain was filled with defensive lapses from both the sides and the fullbacks of both the teams looks vulnerable this time around as well. Injury to Ramos means that he will sit out of this fixture and Milan should look to capitalize on this by giving Boateng a nod ahead of Seedorf.
The Zlatan effect
His previous season in Barcelona is something he’d likely be in a hurry to forget, though he never failed to sizzle against Madrid. He has looked in fantastic touch in the Red and Black stripes and Allegri would be hoping he betters his Barcelona performance against Real Madrid.
Milan will step onto the field on Tuesday as underdogs and will have to depend on a touch of class from its veterans, if they want to trouble Iker Casilias.
Thaigo’s injury won’t help
Although Allegri has named the Brazilian center back in his squad to Madrid, his participation in the match seems highly unlikely. Silva looked like he was in a lot of pain when he suffered an ankle sprain against Chievo Verona on Saturday and was stretchered off. There is no denying the injury has come as a blow to Allegri, as the lethal partnership between Silva and Nesta was something he could certainly do with when facing a ruthlessly defensive unit like Mourinho’s Madrid.
“We hope Thiago can come back. The medics will evaluate between the situation today and tomorrow. If he doesn’t play then it will not affect our plans as we have other defenders” he reassuringly informed the club’s fans through Sky Sport Italia. Bonera is most likely to be named Thiago’s replacement.
Interesting Facts
- Last season’s defeat by Milan was Madrid’s third successive home loss to the visitors from Serie A.
- Milan’s win at the Bernabéu last October was their first in their five trips to Spain.
- Seedorf has won the Champions League with both Madrid (98’) and Milan (03’,07’).