Real Madrid vs AC Milan: Champions League 2024/25 Match Preview
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The UEFA Champions League will see one of the mouth-watering clashes between two powerhouses of European football: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan. Both teams have an enriched history in the European competition, but only one will manage to keep the winning record intact. This match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Santiago Bernabéu, and it promises to be a display of football, history, and high-stakes drama.
Throughout this preview, we look at Real Madrid and AC Milan's current form, squad dynamics, tactical approaches, head-to-head statistics, and our predictions for a comprehensive look at what to expect in this pivotal Champions League matchup.
Match Overview and Key Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan
- Date: November 5, 2024
- Time: 8:00 PM (Local) / 3:00 PM (ET) / 12:00 PM (PT)
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024/25
Real Madrid: Form and Tactics
Recent Form: Real Madrid arrives at this match with a series of ups and downs in La Liga and Champions League action. Looking for some form of redemption following an embarrassing defeat to their arch-nemesis Barcelona in the El Clasico, 4-0, Los Blancos have managed to rake in six points off their three Champions League matches to date, placing them 12th in the group, only a point back of eighth-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Key Players and Injuries: Real Madrid will be without the likes of Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, and David Alaba. Ancelotti has been reprieved with Antonio Rudiger returning for them to solidify the backline. The attacking partnership of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will naturally hog the limelight, but the experience of Luka Modric could be preferred on the pitch over fresh legs from Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
Probable Lineup:
- Formation: 4-3-1-2
- Starting XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Tactics and Strategy: The best avenue for destabilizing AC Milan's midfield could be a high-pressing game that Carlo Ancelotti could put in place. Naturally, Vinicius and Mbappe bring breathtaking speed and great creativity to the playing field. These are players who have the power to make a difference in a team's performance. The need for them to break down Milan's defense, especially if possession is controlled by Modric and Camavinga, can be key elements for Real Madrid. Coming to Real Madrid's defense with Rudiger and Militao, there could be aggressive pressing in order to contain Milan's attacks.
AC Milan: Form and Tactics
Recent Form: AC Milan comes into this game with three points from three games, ranking 25th in the Champions League standings. Following the slender 1-0 Serie A win against Monza, Milan will be aiming to carry its domestic solidity into European shores. However, Milan has been through their fair share of stuttering form and injuries that have been taking a significant part of the team so far.
Key Players and Injuries: AC Milan's squad has to deal with a spate of injuries to Luka Jovic, Matteo Gabbia, Ismael Bennacer, and Alessandro Florenzi. They will, however, be boosted by the return of Rafael Leão, who is likely to start after initially struggling this season. The anticipated addition of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Royal in midfield will add depth, as the former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata leads their attack.
Probable Lineup:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Starting XI: Maignan; Royal, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Morata, Leão
Tactics and Strategy: Manager Paulo Fonseca might set up compact, in counter-attacking fashion to limit the Real Madrid attack. Milan could use quick breaks well with Leão and Pulisic on either wing, to apply pace and imagination, bringing Morata onto his former club with his finishing abilities. The potent attack of Madrid would be dealt with by Tomori and Thiaw, backed up by Maignan behind the goalposts.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Real Madrid and AC Milan have a perfectly poised rivalry, as both teams have won six of their 15 previous matches against each other, underlining the competitiveness in this fixture. The two clubs last met in the group stage of the Champions League during the 2010-11 season, with Real Madrid coming out on top in their most recent head-to-head encounters.
- Overall Meetings: 15
- Real Madrid Wins: 6
- AC Milan Wins: 6
- Draws: 3
- Goals Scored: Real Madrid (23), AC Milan (21)
While Real Madrid has indeed been better in recent history at home, AC Milan's last victory at Santiago Bernabéu does date back to the 2009-10 season. Both sides will be at each other's throat to change this history on behalf of their sides since there is so much at stake in this Champions League group stage match.
Players to Watch
Real Madrid
- Vinicius Junior - An essential figure for Real, Vinicius brings unmatched pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring abilities. His duel with Milan’s defense could decide the game.
- Kylian Mbappe - Renowned for his speed and finishing, Mbappe's chemistry with Vinicius will be crucial as they seek to dismantle Milan’s defense.
- Luka Modric - The Croatian maestro’s vision and passing could control the game’s tempo, and his inclusion signals Ancelotti's desire for a composed midfield.
AC Milan
- Rafael Leão - Despite a challenging season, Leão’s talent is undeniable. His pace and flair on the left wing could expose Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Álvaro Morata - Facing his former club, Morata will be motivated to find the net. His movement and positioning make him a constant threat.
- Mike Maignan - The dependable shot-stopper will need to be at his best to fend off Madrid’s relentless attacks.
Tactical Battle: Real Madrid’s Attack vs. AC Milan’s Defense
Real Madrid's attacking unit has loads of pace and can be flexible, particularly with Mbappe and Vinicius stretching the play. The supporting role from midfield for Modric and Camavinga will allow Madrid to build patient attacks while creating openings for transition moments. In turn, AC Milan will likely respond with a disciplined defensive shape, with Tomori and Thiaw at center-back required to be concentrated and composed.
Predictions and Betting Odds
With current form and depth in tactics, Real Madrid goes into this match with the slight tag of favorites. AC Milan will rely on counter-attacking; however, their inconsistency of late in the Champions League could work against them in a hungry Real Madrid team that wants to bounce back.
- Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2-1 AC Milan
- Goal Scorer Predictions: Vinicius Junior and Mbappe for Real Madrid, Morata for AC Milan
Odds
- Real Madrid Win: 1.70
- Draw: 3.40
- AC Milan Win: 5.25
Key Factors that Could Influence the Outcome
- Defensive Organization: Milan’s backline needs to be cohesive to withstand Madrid’s attack.
- Midfield Control: Whoever controls the midfield battle will likely dominate possession and dictate the game.
- Counter-Attack Execution: AC Milan's ability to convert counter-attacks will be crucial.
- Set-Pieces: Both sides have strong aerial threats; set-pieces could be game-changing moments.
Conclusion
Real Madrid should, therefore, have an evident hunger for redemption from the bruising loss in El Clásico and give all it takes to ensure this gets translated into a Champions League run. Milan views this match as an avenue to finally cement their standing and move to the next phase. The historic stakes and clash of European titans promise no less than an intense fight in the Bernabéu.
Both Real Madrid and AC Milan have more on their minds than just three points in this match; they want to reassert their dominance on the European stage. Football lovers around the world are in for a real feast as they will witness two giants take to the pitch in the hallowed Santiago Bernabéu.
