Milan Player Ratings vs Real Madrid: French Trio Excels | OneFootball

Milan defied the odds and history to beat reigning UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid 3-1 in a stunning game at Santiago Bernabeu. Paulo Fonseca’s side headed into proceedings as outsiders but outperformed all expectations to take home three precious points.

The match couldn’t have started any better for Milan. Malick Thiaw scored his first-ever goal in the Rossoneri shirt to break the deadlock after only 12 minutes. However, Real Madrid replied ten minutes later as Vinicius Junior converted a spot-kick.

Back to the Bernabeu as a foe, Alvaro Morata restored Milan’s lead towards the end of the first half. The Spanish forward latched on to the rebound, tucking the ball home from point-blank range to hand the Italians a narrow halftime advantage.

Despite wasting two glorious chances to make it 3-1 early in the second half, Milan grabbed the third through Tijjani Reijnders in the 73rd minute. The Dutchman and Rafael Leao cracked Los Blancos’ defense wide open on a devastating counter-attack to put the game to bed.

Real Madrid thought they had cut Milan’s lead in half when Antonio Rudiger hammered home a thumping volley, only for VAR to disallow it for offside. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (4-3-3)

Mike Maignan – 7.5

The Frenchman embodied Gandalf’s famous phrase ‘You shall not pass,’ thwarting every effort that came his way, barring a penalty.

Theo Hernandez – 7.5

It was a trademark performance from one of the world’s best left-backs. The former Real Madrid ace was remarkable on both ends of the field.

Fikayo Tomori – 6.5

Despite several sloppy interventions in the early stages, the English defender grew into the contest to forge the wall in front of Maignan’s goal.

Malick Thiaw – 7.5

There’s no doubt this was his best showing in the Milan shirt by far. In addition to the goal, the German youngster stood firm against Kylian Mbappe all night.

Emerson Royal – 6.5

Had it not been for the penalty he conceded in the first half, it would’ve been a flawless display from the Brazilian full-back.

Youssouf Fofana – 6

While he had several loose touches and poor passes, the Frenchman held up his end of the bargain at the back.

Tijjani Reijnders – 8

The goal was a fitting reward for the Dutch midfielder’s excellent performance. Indeed, he was nothing short of outstanding.

Yunus Musah – 7.5

Not many players in world football can cope with Vinicius Junior. However, the USMNT star passed this test with flying colors. Incredible energy!

Christian Pulisic – 7

The quicksilver forward couldn’t find the net tonight, but he registered an assist. That’s not to mention he was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side all game.

Rafael Leao – 8

That’s the Rafa Leao Milan fans want to see. Too hot to handle for Lucas Vasquez, the Portuguese winger had a field day, grabbing two assists for his troubles.

Alvaro Morata – 7.5

He could’ve left the Bernabeu with more than one goal, as his attempt on the near post rattled the frame deep into the second half.

Substitutes

Tammy Abraham – 6

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6.5

Noah Okafor – 5