4 things we learned from Real Madrid's pre-season defeat to AC Milan | OneFootball

Real Madrid kicked off their pre-season preparations on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 loss against AC Milan in the United States.

Despite Madrid largely dominating proceedings, the only goal of the game would come courtesy of Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze, who managed to slide the ball under Andriy Lunin early in the second half of the game at Solidier Field in Chicago.

Here's everything we learned about Real Madrid during the defeat.

Endrick impresses in debut

Endrick started up front / KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/GettyImages

Although Endrick was unable to find the back of the net in his long-awaited Real Madrid debut, he certainly impressed his teammates and his manager with his dogged performance against a physical AC Milan defence.

Speaking after the game about his new striker's debut, Ancelotti said: "He's very fast, very dangerous in tight spaces, has the ability to turn with speed in little space, very agile in getting himself free, and all these qualities he has means he's a great talent. It's rare to see a player with these types of characteristics."

Lucas Vazquez also sang his praises, saying: "Endrick looks very good, to be honest. In these last three training sessions he has been good, he needs to adapt a little to our way of playing, but he has brutal conditions, [and has made] an incredible start."

He's certainly made an impression.

Real Madrid need centre-back cover...

A 16-year-old came off the bench / Justin Casterline/GettyImages

Having started Jesus Vallejo and had the admittedly extremely talented 16-year-old Joan Martinez come off the bench in the second half, it's pretty clear that Madrid need a bit more help in the heart of the defence.

Reports from Spain are insisting that Madrid have made a decision to not dip into the market for a centre-back after missing out on the signing of Leny Yoro, but after seeing the lack of depth in action, it's probably time for a U-turn on that decision. Euro 2024 hero Aymeric Laporte has been linked, and he'd certainly bring the quality required by Los Blancos.

...But their attacking options are terrifyingly good

Guler is one of the many talented attackers Madrid have on the books / Anadolu/GettyImages

Madrid's forward line on Wednesday evening included: Arda Guler, Endrick and Brahim Diaz.

That is their second choice forward line behind Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes.

That is utterly ridiculous.

Ancelotti utilising a 4-3-3

Ancelotti switched up his tactics / KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/GettyImages

After winning a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double using a 4-3-1-2 formation - and getting the absolute best out of Bellingham in the process - Ancelotti looks set to revert to a 4-3-3 for the 2024/25 campaign - to get the absolute best out of new signing Mbappe.

That 4-3-3 was tested out in the defeat to Milan in the USA this week, and it'll be interesting to see how it works when the stars return to the fold soon.