Real Madrid Stumble in Milan, Falling 1-3 to AC Milan
Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 1-3 defeat at the hands of AC Milan in a pre-season friendly match on Wednesday. The Spanish giants looked sluggish and out of sorts, allowing the Italian side to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
The Rossoneri were the better team from the get-go, with a relentless pressing game that left Real Madrid struggling to get into their rhythm. Milan's attack was sharp and clinical, with Rafael Leão scoring a brace and Christian Pulisic adding another goal to seal the victory.
The game was a stark reminder that Real Madrid are still in pre-season mode and have a lot of work to do before the start of the new La Liga campaign. While they had some promising moments, their defensive frailties and lack of composure in the final third proved costly.
A Disappointing First Half
The first half was a complete mismatch, with Milan dominating possession and creating chance after chance. It didn't take long for the Rossoneri to break the deadlock, as Leão found the back of the net in the 10th minute. The Portuguese winger was a constant threat throughout the match, showcasing his blistering pace and impressive dribbling skills.
Real Madrid struggled to get going, with their midfield lacking creativity and their forwards failing to make an impact. The only real chance they created in the first half was a Luka Modric free-kick that sailed just wide of the goal.
Milan Double the Lead
The second half started much the same way as the first, with Milan continuing to dictate the tempo. They doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Pulisic received a through ball from Leão and slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid Find a Consolation Goal
Real Madrid finally managed to get on the scoreboard in the 69th minute when Vinicius Junior scored a stunning goal from a tight angle. It was a moment of brilliance from the Brazilian winger, but it proved to be too little too late.
Leão Seals the Victory
Milan restored their two-goal lead just five minutes later, as Leão completed his brace with a well-taken finish. The goal effectively sealed the victory for the Rossoneri, who were deserved winners on the night.
What's Next for Real Madrid?
This defeat will be a wake-up call for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who have their work cut out for them if they want to challenge for silverware this season. They have plenty of time to fine-tune their squad and improve their fitness levels before the start of the La Liga season. The next game for Real Madrid is a friendly against Juventus in the US on July 26th.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid's performance against AC Milan was far from impressive, and they will need to significantly improve if they want to achieve their goals this season. However, it's important to remember that this was just a pre-season friendly and there is still plenty of time for them to find their rhythm and form. Let's see if they can bounce back in their next outing.