Real Madrid and AC Milan are two of Europe’s most storied football clubs, with a combined 22 UEFA Champions League titles. Their recent clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage brought together world-class talent and strategic brilliance, making the lineups a focal point for fans and analysts alike. This article provides an in-depth look at the starting XI for both teams, the tactical setups, key players, and other frequently searched details about this high-stakes encounter.
Confirmed Lineups
Real Madrid Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti opted for an aggressive 4-4-2 system, emphasizing quick transitions and wing play through the pace of Vinícius and Mbappé.
AC Milan Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernández
Midfielders: Yunus Musah, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders
Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Álvaro Morata, Rafael Leão
Coach: Tiago Fonseca
Milan’s 4-3-3 formation relied on a balanced approach, with Leão’s creativity and Pulisic’s versatility in the final third being pivotal.
Key Tactical Approaches
Real Madrid’s Strategy
Real Madrid’s lineup reflected their commitment to controlling possession while exploiting defensive gaps with lightning-fast counterattacks. Bellingham, operating as a box-to-box midfielder, linked up effectively with Valverde and Modrić, while Tchouaméni provided a solid defensive shield. Mbappé’s positioning often pulled Milan’s defense out of shape, creating spaces for Vinícius on the left.
AC Milan’s Approach
Milan’s lineup was geared towards defensive solidity and efficient ball progression. Theo Hernández provided overlapping runs from left-back, while Fofana and Reijnders ensured midfield stability. Pulisic and Leão alternated positions to unsettle Madrid’s defensive line, while Morata acted as a target man.
Match Highlights and Player Performances
Real Madrid’s Standouts
Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder continued his stellar form, orchestrating play with composure and precision.
Vinícius Júnior: His dribbling and pace troubled Milan’s defense, particularly in the second half.
AC Milan’s Performers
Mike Maignan: The goalkeeper made several key saves, keeping Milan competitive throughout.
Rafael Leão: His creative runs and accurate passing were instrumental in Milan’s attacking transitions.
Recent Form and Context
Before this match, Real Madrid had displayed dominant performances against Stuttgart and Dortmund but suffered a surprising loss to Lille. AC Milan, on the other hand, had a mixed start to their group stage, with one win and two losses, making this fixture critical for their qualification hopes.
FAQs
When and where did the match take place?
The Real Madrid vs. AC Milan game occurred on December 13, 2024, as part of the Champions League group stage. The match was hosted at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, drawing thousands of fans eager to witness the showdown between two football giants.
What were the confirmed lineups for both teams?
Real Madrid Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
AC Milan Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernández
Midfielders: Yunus Musah, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders
Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Álvaro Morata, Rafael Leão
Both teams fielded strong lineups, reflecting the importance of the match in the context of the group stage standings.
What formations were used by the teams?
Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4-4-2 formation, blending midfield creativity with attacking pace. This setup allowed players like Bellingham and Modrić to control the game while exploiting the wings through Mbappé and Vinícius.
AC Milan: Tiago Fonseca employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on midfield balance and wing play. The inclusion of Leão and Pulisic highlighted Milan’s intent to create opportunities through the flanks.
Who were the standout players in the match?
For Real Madrid:
Jude Bellingham: A commanding presence in midfield, orchestrating attacks with precision.
Vinícius Júnior: His relentless pace and skill on the ball consistently threatened Milan’s defense.
For AC Milan:
Rafael Leão: The creative force behind Milan’s counterattacks, displaying flair and vision.
Mike Maignan: Made several critical saves to keep Milan in contention.
Were there any significant absentees?
Real Madrid was without their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, due to a long-term injury. Andriy Lunin stepped up in his absence. AC Milan fielded their strongest lineup, with no major injuries reported prior to the match
In Summary
The Real Madrid vs. AC Milan clash was a captivating encounter, showcasing tactical brilliance, individual excellence, and the rich history of two legendary clubs. Real Madrid’s attacking depth, led by Mbappé and Vinícius, faced off against AC Milan’s balanced setup and defensive resilience.
Football fans around the world eagerly followed this high-stakes match, which not only delivered thrilling moments but also reinforced the growing anticipation for the Champions League’s knockout stages. The lineups revealed the strategic nuances of both teams, offering insights into how elite clubs prepare for marquee fixtures. Whether you’re a supporter of Los Blancos or the Rossoneri, this match highlighted the enduring appeal of European football’s premier competition.
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