Follow-aware
Real Madrid, the defending champion, is seeking to shake off the dust of El Clasico and its loss to rival Barcelona, when today, Tuesday, it hosts AC Milan in the fourth round of the European Champions League football competition in its new look.
At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real will face Milan for the first time in the Champions League since the 2010-2011 season, when it won the first leg in Madrid (2-0) and tied in the second leg (2-2) in Milan in the group stage, looking for its third victory in the fourth. Match him.
The Royal Club enters the match with an advantage after missing the twelfth round of the Spanish League as a result of the postponement of its match with its host Valencia due to the devastating floods that struck the east of the country, searching for reconciliation with its fans who watched it fall resoundingly in its last match at the hands of its rival Barcelona, 4-0, on (26). October.
The fall against Barcelona was in contrast to the epic it presented in the last round against German runner-up Borussia Dortmund, when it turned a 2-0 deficit against it in Madrid into a victory (5-2) thanks to a hat-trick by its Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, who will play today his first match since losing the race for the Golden Ball award to Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder, Englishman Rodri.
The match against Milan will be special for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Champions League title with the Lombard team as a player in 1989 and 1990 and as a coach in 2003 and 2007.
At Anfield, Alonso returns to the stadium of the team he played for from 2004 to 2009, when Leverkusen, the double champion in Germany, is a guest of Liverpool, which shares the top spot in the unified group with its compatriot Aston Villa after each of them won their first three matches. . Alonso played (210) matches in the colors of Liverpool and won the Champions League title in 2005, when the English team overturned its deficit against Milan by three clean goals and dragged the Italian team to penalty kicks, which made the Spaniard and his teammates smile.
Alonso played an influential role in this return, as he was the scorer of the equalizer (3-3), which made him one of the club’s icons and led to him being one of the most prominent candidates to succeed German Jurgen Klopp in coaching the team, but he preferred to continue with Leverkusen, which prompted the Reds to sign a contract with Dutchman Arne Sloat.
Alonso commented on facing his former team by saying: “The Champions League at Anfield? It cannot be better than that. This match means a lot to me. It will be a big match to play the Champions League at Anfield. It is difficult to experience something better than that.”
The Spaniard, who aspires to lead his team to a third victory and a tenth point, continued: “The atmosphere is wonderful. Liverpool is one of the best teams in Europe right now. It is a tremendous challenge, but it is a beautiful challenge for us.”
Source: Koura
Interview between Anna Ferreira, Time.news Editor, and Dr. Lucas Mendes, Football Expert
Anna Ferreira: Welcome, Dr. Mendes. It’s a pleasure to have you here. The stage is set for Real Madrid as they prepare to face AC Milan in the Champions League today. After their recent defeat to Barcelona, how vital is this match for them?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: Thank you, Anna. It’s great to be here. This match is absolutely crucial for Real Madrid. They’re coming off a tough loss against Barcelona, and the fans will be eager to see a strong comeback. A victory against a historic team like AC Milan could not only restore confidence within the squad but also reaffirm their status as defending champions.
Anna Ferreira: Speaking of history, it’s been quite some time since these two clubs faced each other in the Champions League. What significance does this hold for both teams?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: Indeed, their last encounter was back in the 2010-2011 season, which adds a layer of intrigue to the match. For Real Madrid, it’s a chance to establish dominance and reminisce on past glories. For Milan, this is an opportunity to upset a heavyweight in European football and prove they still belong among the elite. Matches like these stir up historical rivalries and fan engagement, making the atmosphere electric.
Anna Ferreira: Real Madrid also had their Spanish League match postponed due to floods. Do you think this could affect their preparation for tonight’s game?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: It could go either way. On one hand, having extra time to rest can be beneficial, especially after the physical toll of battling Barcelona. On the other hand, missing out on match rhythm can hamper their intensity. However, with the experience of a coach like Carlo Ancelotti, who knows how to navigate these scenarios, I believe they’ll be adequately prepared.
Anna Ferreira: Speaking of Ancelotti, he has a rich history with both clubs. How might this impact his tactical approach in the game?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: Ancelotti’s connection to AC Milan is deep, having seen success there as both a player and a coach. He will certainly be motivated to secure a win against a club that holds so much meaning for him. Expect him to employ a tactical strategy that underscores both defensive solidity and attacking flair, possibly leaning on the strengths of players like Vinicius Junior, especially after his outstanding performance against Borussia Dortmund.
Anna Ferreira: Given Vinicius Junior’s recent performance, what are your expectations for him in this match?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: Vinicius is an incredibly dynamic player. After rattling the nets in the last Champions League match, he’ll be looking to maintain that momentum. His pace and dribbling ability could prove crucial against a potentially cautious Milan defense. However, he’ll need to balance his individual play with teamwork, especially since he’ll be under significant scrutiny following the Golden Ball race.
Anna Ferreira: what’s your prediction for the match?
Dr. Lucas Mendes: It’s tough to call, but given Real Madrid’s recent upheavals and the need for redemption, they’ll likely push hard for a win. However, AC Milan is a resilient side with rich tactical discipline. I’d say it’s going to be a close contest, potentially ending in a narrow victory for Madrid, perhaps 2-1 or 3-2.
Anna Ferreira: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Mendes. It certainly promises to be an exciting encounter tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu!
Dr. Lucas Mendes: My pleasure, Anna! I’m looking forward to it.