Real Madrid would have been eagerly anticipating their La Liga match over the weekend in an attempt to overcome the disappointment of their 4-0 defeat in El Clásico the previous week. However, their game against Valencia was postponed due to devastating flash floods, giving Carlo Ancelotti’s team a few extra days to reflect on their humiliating loss.
On the other hand, this delay has allowed Real Madrid more time to prepare for their UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against AC Milan. Real Madrid has emerged victorious in five of their last seven home matches against Milan, with one draw and one loss. This match holds particular significance for Ancelotti, who used to play for and manage Milan. With an impressive record of winning 17 out of their last 18 European games against Italian teams (with only one loss), Los Blancos are well-positioned to give Ancelotti the upper hand against his former club.
Interestingly, this encounter brings together the two clubs that have won the most European titles (Real Madrid: 15, AC Milan: 7). However, Milan’s performance in the competition this season does not suggest that they are contenders for an eighth title.
The Rossoneri have suffered defeats in two out of their three UCL matches (W1) in the league stage so far, and it is unlikely that their fortunes will improve in Spain. They have a dismal away record in European competitions, with only five wins, seven draws, and sixteen losses.
Milan can take solace in their previous trip to Spain, where they emerged victorious against Real’s city rivals, Atlético, with a scoreline of 1-0. It would be ideal for Paulo Fonseca’s team to repeat such success as they aim to secure at least a top-24 finish. However, considering their recent struggles to find the back of the net in UCL away matches (W1, D1, L3), it seems somewhat improbable.
A crucial battle to watch out for will be between Antonio Rüdiger and Álvaro Morata. Rüdiger has surprisingly scored in two of Real’s three UCL games so far, with all four of his previous goals in this competition being second-half headers. His objective will be to silence Morata, who is returning to face his former club and has received yellow cards in four of his last six appearances for his current team.
An interesting statistic to note is that Real Madrid have gone unbeaten in their last eleven Tuesday-held UCL games (W8, D3).
