New Delhi: Two of the most historic European teams will be taking on each other in a classic UEFA Champions League clash, as Real Madrid will be welcoming AC Milan at Santiago Bernabeu. It is truly astonishing that both of these sides have a total of 22 Champions League titles between them, with Real Madrid having a record 15 titles while Milan themselves having seven titles. This fixture has some rich history and these two sides will be looking to take the charge and get a statement victory at Bernebeu.
So far the Italians have blown hot and cold this season, but the position they are in at the moment isn’t something they woul be proud of. Sitting 25th, just outside the play-offs spot. However, they will be looking to improve on their current situation as it looks highly concerning for Paulo Fonseca, as for a team with such high pedigree, they should’ve been doing much better than this.
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— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 5, 2024
Madrid’s powerful start to the campaign was disrupted by high flyers LOSC Lille, as the second matchday of Champions League produced one of the shock of the seasons, when The French side defeated the 15 time champions 1-0. However, Ancelotti’s side have recovered pretty well from that defeat as their previous outing against Dortmund ended in favour of the defending champions,with an exciting 5-2 result.
Over the years, we have witnessed some of the biggest names in football take part in this fixture and this time it won’t be any different. There will be aras of the field where players of both the sides will be looking to dominate to make their presence felt, so here’s a look at the key battles on the pitch that could prove pivotal in shaping the result of the game.
Christian Pulisic vs Ferland Mendy
Christian Pulisic for AC Milan (via @FirasACM)
One thing about this game is that the fans will get to witness a tensed and a fiery contest at the wings of the field. Considering the fact that both the managers will be looking to play a back four, AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic will be up against Real’s left back Ferland Mendy. The American international has had some start to his campaign with 10 goal contributions this season, scoring twice in the Champions League as well. It has been a tremendous start for the 26-year-old, and it seems rather likely that he is determined to carry this form till the very end of the season.
His pace and acceleration has always been a massive threat, and now that he has managed to add the finishing aspect to his game, he looks like a candidate that can cause a lot of problems for the Real Madrid defence. However, he will be up against the tireless Madrid defender, Ferland Mendy, who may not have kicked off the campaign strongly but can be amassive asset for the team. His ability to track back after going upfront, speed and the determination to get back to his usual position to defend his grounds at the back. It will be interesting to see how this battle goes.
Rafael Leao vs Lucas Vazquez
Rafael Leao will be up against Vazquez (via @FabrizioRomano)
Another battle that will take pace on the other side of the wing would be against the dynamic Rafael Leao and the experienced Lucas Vazquez. Lucas Vazquez will be looking to contain the pace and skills of the Portuguese international Rafael Leao, who is a crucial figure for AC Milan. The 25-year-old winger has built his reputation as one of the most skillful and also one of the quicker wingers in Europe right now. He will be looking to make an impact as his involvement can prove to be a massive plus point for the Italian side.
Leao will be up against the long serving Lucas Vazquez, who has to be at the top of his game to contain the winger. Naturally a winger, over the years Vazquez has shown how verstile he is, playing a s right back for Real Madrid. The unfortunate injury to Dani Carvajal a few weeks back means that Madrid will have to rely on the experience of Lucas Vazquez, who can prove out to be quite handy for Los Blancos.
Kylian Mbappe vs Theo Hernandez
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The French battle will truly be a good one as it would involve pace and acceleration, as Kylian Mbappe will be going head to head against Theo Hernandez. The forward has had a rather slow start to his Champion League campaign, but he still has two goal contributions to his name. However, there is no doubt that the fact that on his day, Mbappe can be the most dangerous player on the field who can cause a lot of damage.
His opponent, Theo Hernandez will also be ready to go toe-to-toe against his compatriot, as the pacy fullback has established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the world right now. His ability to fall back and make those crucial interceptions would prove to be a massive factor for Milan. He needs to be at the top his game tonight against Kylian Mbappe, as the fullback can truly contain the speed and acceleration of Madrid’s star forward.
Luka Modric vs Tijjani Reijnders
Luka Modric will be a crucial part of Real Madrid lineup againsrt Milan (via @LosMadridistas_)
When we talk about legends taking up the stage in this fixture, one player that cannot be ignored is the Croatian maestro, Luka Modric. The 39-year-old is still going strong and he has been an influential presence in this Madrid lineup for more than a decade now. His vision and passing ability is second to none, which is not even a debate, but his leadership is something that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be heavily reliant on. His presence on the field would truly be an integral factor for Ancelotti’s side, as he will be responsible for dictating the midfield.
One AC Milan player that has really impressed over the past few months, is the defensive midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch international has already scored twice in this Champions League campaign, and besides that, he has proven to be a solid asset down the midfield of Fonseca’s side. Defensively, he has been impressive in that midfield, partnering with Youssouf Fofana, as his ability to hold on to the ball, strength and game reading ability makes him a top asset for Milan.
Vinicius Junior vs Fikayo Tomori
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Another exciting battle on the pitch would be Vinicius Junior taking on Fikayo Tomori, as the Brazilian forward has truly been sensational ever since the season started and he will be looking to guide his side towards yet another victory. Vinicius was absolutely world class in Real Madrid’s previous Champions League outing against Dortmund, as he managed to score a hattrick to save the Los Blancos from the jaws of defeat. However, he will be up against ever so determined Fikayo Tomori, who has the speed and agility to match the pace and acceleration of Vinicus.
