Real Madrid vs Milan: El Madrid pierde racha
Real Madrid's undefeated streak came to an end in a disappointing 2-1 loss to AC Milan in a pre-season friendly match. The match, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, saw a mix of starting players and youth players for both teams. While the result itself may not be overly concerning, the manner of the loss will have Carlo Ancelotti scratching his head as Real Madrid prepare for the upcoming season.
A Disappointing First Half
The first half was a frustrating affair for Real Madrid fans, as Milan dominated possession and created numerous chances. The Italian giants were rewarded for their early pressure when Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, with Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior looking particularly out of sorts.
A Brief Resurgence in the Second Half
The second half brought a slight change in momentum, with Real Madrid showing more urgency and purpose. Rodrygo came on for Vinicius and immediately made an impact, providing a spark in the final third. The Brazilian winger managed to equalize in the 62nd minute, giving Real Madrid hope of turning the match around.
However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed when Brahim Díaz scored a stunning goal in the 70th minute to put Milan back in the lead. Diaz's goal proved to be the final nail in the coffin, as Real Madrid were unable to find a way back into the game.
Takeaways from the Defeat
Despite the loss, there were some positives to take from the match. The young players, particularly Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler, impressed with their performances. Bellingham's physicality and energy in midfield were particularly noticeable, while Güler showed glimpses of his technical skill and creativity.
However, the lack of cohesion and sharpness in the final third remains a concern for Real Madrid. Ancelotti will need to address these issues before the start of the La Liga season if they want to challenge for the title.
Looking Ahead: La Liga and Beyond
The loss to Milan serves as a valuable wake-up call for Real Madrid. It highlights the need for improvement in several key areas, particularly in terms of finishing and defensive solidity. With the start of La Liga just around the corner, Ancelotti and his team will need to find their best form quickly if they want to contend for trophies this season.
This match also serves as a reminder that Real Madrid, despite their dominance in recent years, are not invincible. There will be tough challenges ahead, and it is crucial that they learn from this defeat and come back stronger.