2' min
In an incredible display, Milan defeated Real Madrid on Champions League matchday four. Paulo Fonseca’s squad showed remarkable grit and character in a stadium as iconic and intimidating as the Bernabeu, walking away with a 3-1 victory. It’s the Rossoneri’s second consecutive win, boosting them to six points in the single-group stage and improving their chances of advancing to the next round as the competition reaches its midpoint.
Milan’s intent was clear from the opening minutes, with Malick Thiaw breaking the deadlock with a powerful header off a corner, leaving Lunin helpless. Real’s response was fierce, and in the 19th minute, Vinicius won a penalty after a foul by Emerson Royal. The Brazilian calmly converted to level the score. However, the night seemed to favor Milan: Reijnders nearly restored their lead with a long-range effort that Lunin saved with a diving stop. In the 39th minute, former Madrid star Alvaro Morata tapped in a rebound from Lunin’s fumble on a Leao strike, putting Milan back in front before halftime at 2-1.
Many expected an attacking surge from Real in the second half, but it was Milan who came close to a third goal, first with Leao and then with Morata. Lunin saved the initial attempt, while the post denied Morata his brace. The 3-1 came in the 73rd minute when Reijnders capitalized on a perfect assist from Leao, finding himself alone in front of the keeper and scoring with ease. Ten minutes later, Rudiger found the net, but VAR disallowed the goal due to Rodrygo’s offside position earlier in the play. Milan even flirted with a fourth goal, as Loftus-Cheek fired a shot straight at Lunin from close range. In added time, Maignan performed a stunning save to deny Brahim Diaz, the other former Rossonero, wrapping up a memorable night for Milan.
