AC Milan delivered a historic 3-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, a performance that sent shockwaves through the football world. Goals from Malick Thiaw, Alvaro Morata, and Tijjani Reijnders secured the impressive win for Milan, who became the first team to score three goals in two separate Champions League matches at the Bernabeu. This victory was particularly significant as it handed Real Madrid their first consecutive home loss under manager Carlo Ancelotti in the competition’s history.
AC Milan’s manager, Paulo Fonseca, lauded his team's courage and resilience in executing a bold and slightly altered game plan. “We won because the players had the courage to come here and not be afraid of anything, playing the game we wanted,” Fonseca said in the post-match press conference. He emphasized that Milan’s approach was one of maintaining possession throughout the match, which enabled them to control the flow of the game, especially in the first half.
While Milan dominated the first half, Fonseca acknowledged that the second half presented more challenges. Real Madrid, as expected, pushed for a comeback, but Milan held firm with organized defensive play and decisive counter-attacks. Despite the pressure, Fonseca felt the victory was well-deserved, stating that Milan’s offensive mindset and aggressive approach were key factors in overcoming Madrid’s renowned attacking power.
Fonseca also took the opportunity to highlight the differences between Serie A and the style of play they adopted at the Bernabeu. Italian teams, he noted, typically employ a more defensive and tactical approach, but Milan took a more dynamic, attacking stance against the Spanish giants. “This type of game is totally different to what we have in Serie A,” Fonseca explained, pointing out that pressing man-to-man across the pitch, as they did against Real Madrid, is a rarity for Italian clubs.
The match was a testament to Milan’s evolving tactics under Fonseca and their growing confidence in European competition. With this win, Milan not only advanced their Champions League campaign but also sent a message to the footballing world that they are a team to be reckoned with. Real Madrid, on the other hand, now face questions about their ability to bounce back from such a setback, especially with their home ground no longer the fortress it once was.
