Real Madrid vs AC Milan:The Santiago Bernabeu will witness two European heavyweights, Real Madrid and AC Milan, battle it out in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter.
Match Details
- Date: November 5, 2024
- Time: 20:00 UTC
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Head-to-Head
Historically, Real Madrid and AC Milan have been well-matched in Europe, with both teams recording six wins each in their 13 previous encounters, accompanied by three draws.
Champions League Standings
Real Madrid sits in a better position with six points from their three group games, including wins over Borussia Dortmund and Lille. However, AC Milan’s form has been patchier, with just one victory and two losses in their campaign. A win for Milan would revitalize their hopes, while a victory for Real Madrid could cement their place at the top.
| Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | Last 5 | Pts |
| Real Madrid | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8:4 | WWWLW | 6 |
| AC Milan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4:5 | LWLLW | 3 |
Form Guide
Real Madrid
- Champions League: W, L, W
- All Competitions: D, L, W, W, W, L
AC Milan
- Champions League: L, L, W
- All Competitions: L, L, W, W, L, W
Team News and Possible Lineups
Real Madrid
Injuries to Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, and David Alaba impact Madrid’s starting XI. However, Antonio Rudiger is expected to return. Carlo Ancelotti will likely rely on a front pairing of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe to lead the attack.
Predicted lineup (4-4-2)
Lunin (GK); Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
AC Milan
Milan will be without Luka Jovic, Matteo Gabbia, Ismael Bennacer, and Alessandro Florenzi. Tammy Abraham’s return bolsters their attack, and Rafael Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek add dynamism to their forward line.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Maignan (GK); Royal, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Morata, Leao
Key Stats
- Real Madrid has a slight edge historically, with 5 wins in their last 13 meetings against Milan.
- Real Madrid wins the first half in 43% of their games, while Milan does so in 41%.
- Real Madrid has scored an average of 2.8 goals per home game this season, whereas Milan averages 1.88 goals in away games.
- Luka Modric and Alvaro Morata lead their teams in yellow cards with two each this season.
- Real Madrid has shown strong home resilience, winning 90% of games when leading at halftime.
SWOT Analysis: Real Madrid vs AC Milan
Real Madrid: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Home Advantage: Real Madrid boasts a formidable record at the Bernabeu, where they win 90% of games when leading at halftime.
- High Scoring: Averaging 2.8 goals per home game, Madrid’s attack led by Vinicius Junior and Mbappe is among the most potent in Europe.
- Champions League Form: With two wins in three matches, including a comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid is in a solid position to capitalize on their group lead.
Weaknesses
- Defensive Concerns: Missing key defenders like Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba, Madrid’s backline could be vulnerable, particularly against Milan’s rapid counterattacks.
- Recent Setbacks: The 4-0 El Clasico defeat at home is a morale knock, though they’ve rebounded in the Champions League.
Opportunities
- Extra Rest: With their weekend fixture postponed, Madrid’s squad will be more rested, which could provide a significant physical edge.
Threats
- AC Milan’s Determination: Milan’s recent win against Club Brugge has revitalized their campaign, and they’ll be eager to carry that momentum into this high-stakes encounter.
- Injuries to Key Players: With absences in defense and key injuries across the squad, Madrid’s depth will be tested under pressure.
AC Milan: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Dynamic Attack: Milan’s forward line, featuring Rafael Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, has the speed and creativity to disrupt defenses, especially on the counter.
- Recent Form Revival: Milan’s back-to-back wins against Club Brugge in the Champions League and Monza in Serie A reflect improving form that could be critical for an upset.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Champions League Form: Two losses in their three group games place Milan under pressure, and their away form has not been consistent.
- Bernabeu Struggles: Milan’s historical record at the Bernabeu is a challenge, with just one win since the mid-2000s, underlining the intimidating nature of Madrid’s home ground.
Opportunities
- Madrid’s Defensive Gaps: With Madrid missing key players in defense, Milan’s attackers, particularly Morata and Leao, could capitalize on lapses.
- Reviving Group Stage Hopes: A win here would significantly boost Milan’s position in Group D and provide the confidence they need for the remaining matches.
Threats
- Madrid’s Offensive Depth: Madrid’s high goal-scoring rate at home poses a threat to Milan’s defense, especially if they struggle to contain the pace of Vinicius and Mbappe.
- Injuries in Key Areas: With players like Bennacer and Florenzi out, Milan’s depth and defensive stability could be tested under sustained pressure from Madrid’s attack.
Real Madrid vs AC Milan Prediction
Given Real Madrid’s home advantage and their depth, they are the favorites for this clash. AC Milan, while capable of creating an upset, has shown inconsistency in this year’s Champions League campaign. The Bernabeu crowd and Madrid’s attacking prowess could tilt the game in the hosts’ favor.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 AC Milan
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