AC Milan Stun Champions League Holders Real Madrid with 3-1 Victory
In a thrilling Champions League group-stage match on Tuesday, AC Milan delivered a shock 3-1 defeat to the reigning holders, Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu. The victory handed Milan a crucial three points, as the Spanish giants continued to struggle, with Kylian Mbappe failing to find the back of the net once again.
The match started with an early blow for Madrid, as Milan took the lead in the 12th minute. Malick Thiaw found the net with a well-placed near-post header from a corner, leaving Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with no chance. The hosts responded quickly, with Vinicius Junior winning a penalty after a foul by Emerson Royal. The Brazilian, who was recently the runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, calmly converted the spot-kick with a cheeky Panenka finish, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Milan struck again just before halftime. Former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata pounced on a rebound after Lunin saved a shot from Rafael Leao, putting Milan ahead 2-1 in the 39th minute. Madrid, struggling to find their rhythm, were further frustrated when Mbappe, who had been largely ineffective, was denied by Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who saved a low shot from the French forward before the break.
In the second half, Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti made changes, introducing Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz, hoping to turn the tide. But Milan continued to dominate. In the 73rd minute, Leao made a brilliant solo run, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for Milan’s third goal, effectively sealing the victory. Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger thought he had pulled one back when he smashed a rebound into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside.
Despite a late flurry of opportunities, including a superb save from Maignan to deny Diaz, Madrid could not find a way back into the game. The loss, which comes after a humbling 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position in the group, having now lost two of their four matches. Meanwhile, Milan's victory puts them in the middle of the table, ahead of Madrid on goal difference, as both teams now look to regroup ahead of the next round of fixtures.
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