What: UEFA Champions League – Group G
Who: Real Madrid (1st; 6 points) vs AC Milan (2nd; 4 points)
When: Tuesday 19th October, 2010, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Firing on All Cylinders
It took them some time, but Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are finally starting to produce the kind of displays that the fans have so eagerly wanted to see. On Saturday night, the Merengues climbed further up the ladder with another goal feast, this time at the expense of Malaga, who have yet to record a win at home. Real Madrid powered past them, running out 4-1 winners, thanks in part to the potent double act of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.
One man who was eager to show his satisfaction with the match’s outcome was Los Blancos’ boss Mourinho, who highlighted the importance that his team "cooled-off" once the win was in the bag, ahead of the Milan clash: "I have to give credit to my team as they certainly worked hard and have succeeded. My team knew their movements and what they had to do. It was better for us that this game became dead, because we play again on Tuesday. But the three points are the most important and we leave here with them.”
Statement of Intent
Just before Real Madrid took to the pitch, AC Milan were making a statement of their own as they dispatched Chievo Verona to top Serie A for the night, and prepare for a replay of the showdown with Real Madrid that took place almost a year ago. Much has changed since that 3-2 win at the Bernabeu, with Milan now boasting further attacking options with Zlatan Ibrahimovic spearheading the frontline.
However, this game against Los Blancos will be anything but easy, according to Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf. The Dutchman, having won the Champions League with three different teams, assessed Real’s strong points in a recent interview, all while confirming Mourinho as Madrid’s main threat: "Under Jose Mourinho Real Madrid are one of the most feared teams. I like him as a person, and I think Real Madrid are among the top candidates to win the Champions League.", declared Seedorf.
Recent form
Real Madrid:
Auxerre 0-1 Real Madrid (28/09; Champions League)
Real Madrid 6-1 Deportivo La Coruna (03/10; La Liga)
Malaga 1-4 Real Madrid (16/10; La Liga)
AC Milan:
Ajax 1-1 Milan (28/09; Champions League)
Parma 0-1 Milan (02/10; Serie A)
Milan 3-1 Chievo (16/10; Serie A)
Key absences
Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos (doubt); Kaka; Ezequiel Garay; Fernando Gago
AC Milan: Thiago Silva (doubt); Massimo Ambrosini; Marek Jankulovski
Players to watch
Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese megastar finally broke his goal-scoring jinx a fortnight ago against Deportivo La Coruna, before going on to shine against Malaga at the weekend. Having missed the two clashes against Milan last season, Ronaldo will want to make sure he guides Los Blancos to Champions League glory after years of disappointment.
AC Milan – Robinho: Robinho goes back to his first European club nearly two years after his unceremonious exit on summer transfer deadline day. Having flopped at Manchester City following a British record transfer fee, the Santos youth-teamer will have a point to prove to his old and new fans as he prepares for what could be a frosty welcome at the Bernabeu.
Match prediction
With Kaka the only major absentee from this matchday’s biggest game, the stage is set for a footballing showdown of epic proportions at the Bernabeu. Both teams are starting to click on the pitch, and while Real have the advantage of playing in front of their home fans, Milan will be anything but whipping boys. Expect a 1-1 final result.
