In years previous, the meeting of two of Europe’s most decorated institutions could have given a strong indicator as to the eventual victor of the competition. Last nights match-up, following on from the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, only served to highlight how far the mighty have fallen. The names still demand respect, the product does not.
The Rossoneri’s 3-2 win in Madrid on Matchday Three stirred the neutral audience and delighted the UEFA high command in equal measure. The five goals shared amidst the backdrop of the glistening Santiago Bernabeu was delivered by a cast of A-list names with Hollywood reputations. The entertainment value produced deserved the UEFA red carpet treatment it was granted, but after the audience had gone home, the actors had retreated to their plush pads, and the floodlights dimmed at the set, there was an amateurish feel to the production – littered with dropped lines, stumbles and fumbles. The cut throat nature of the Champions League means there is no scope for a re-take.
Last night, with Milan hosting, the error strewn goal-feast from the Bernabeu was not re-enacted, and a 1-1 draw meant status quo was maintained in Group C. Il Diavolo head los Meringues by goal difference, both on seven points, both ahead of Marseilles whom trail by a point with two games left to play. Having negotiated each other, the duo should progress at the expense of Marseille and FC Zurich.
They should progress, but beneath the grandiose façade the names and tradition bring, there is a brittle, insecure feeling about two teams who seem ill equipped to compete with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea for this years crown. Real’s comical defensive showing allowed Milan to grab all three points in Spain, whilst Leonardo’s men have already succumbed at home to Group whipping boys Zurich. The old air of invincibility no longer remains.
Indeed, again last night, mistakes were a recurring theme, often punctuating the undoubted quality on show. Los Blanco’s deservedly took the lead after half an hour when another Goalkeeping gaffe from Dida allowed Karim Benzema to slot home after the Teflon-gloved ‘keeper spilled Kaka’s low drive. Kaka, returning to his spiritual home for the first time since his switch to Real was the one beacon of true class. Menacingly floating behind Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, the Brazilian glided and ghosted past his former team-mates, picking a series of devious passes and embarking on dangerous dribbles in and around the final third, linking with the lively Benzema to good effect. Real managed sixteen attempts on the Milan goal in the first half alone, yet were fortunate not to find themselves trailing at the interval.
Ronaldinho, rising from his Serie A slumber for the big occasion, equalised by slamming an unstoppable penalty high past Iker Casillas after Pepe was adjudged to have handled a Gianluca Zambrotta cross. Then, shortly before half-time, Real’s defensive frailties were further exposed when Alexandre Pato latched onto a high ball forward and fired home, only to be harshly called back for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.
The break brought a more formulaic approach to the second half after the end-to-end freestyle of the first, chances were harder to come by, with Massimo Ambrosini shackling the threat of Kaka, yet sub Pippo Inzaghi for the Rossoneri and Marcelo and Raul for los Meringues all had opportunities to snatch the tie.
The game shared, a point gained. However, over 180 minutes, neither of the teams will have convinced onlookers that their positive attacking play will prevail over their definite deficiencies. Milan, such as their domestic form suggests, are severely lacking in the quality of personnel to elevate themselves to the level of serious challengers to win the Champions League. Their forward forays are heavily laden on the exciting Pato and the inconsistent Ronaldinho, with their defence and midfield looking limited in pace.
Real on the other hand have yet to constructively collate the individual components of their squad into any sort of team unit. The formation is a mystery, the blueprint still in the design stage. Such credentials will be unforgiving when they face a team of true pedigree. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return will provide even more offensive outlay, but will not resolve any of the confusion further back. Florentino Perez’s dream team remains just a dream.
Leonardo – “They played better in the first half, created spaces and chances. We were too deep. I'd say the second half was the opposite, as we had the better of it and overall the draw is the right result. To be honest, we feel a bit of regret, as I felt we could win it and strike them at the right time. I'm happy with the way the team played and approached the test.”
Manuel Pellegrini - "I want to talk about how we played in the first half and our attitude, Only Alexandre Pato had a chance for Milan in the first half, but in the second half Milan's style made life difficult for us. In the second half, we held the ball better and by the end I would say we deserved the three points."
Milan 1-1 Real Madrid - Ronaldinho (P) 35 – Benzema 29
Milan (4-2-3-1): Dida - Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta - Ambrosini, Pirlo - Pato, Seedorf, Ronaldinho – Boriello (Inzaghi 79)
Real Madrid (4-2-2-2): Casillas- Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa – Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso – Kaka, Marcelo – Higuain (Raul 75), Benzema (V.Nistelrooy 82)
Statistics
Milan – Real Madrid
4 - Corners - 7
9 (2) - Shots (on target) - 24 (10)
14 - Fouls - 19
1 (0) - Yellow cards (Red) - 3 (0)
3 - Offside - 3
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