Real Madrid have suffered yet another defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu. Just days after the humiliation against Barça, Carlo Ancelotti’s side collapsed against AC Milan, losing 3-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Crisis is brewing in Madrid. Returning to competition on Tuesday after a turbulent week, the team put on a worrying display. Despite the high-profile names fielded once again by Carlo Ancelotti, it was AC Milan that impressed, playing fluid, coherent football and being especially incisive in front of goal. Although Vinicius Junior equalised with a penalty in the 23rd minute, Real Madrid faltered and thus suffered their second loss in four Champions League games. Here are the ratings of the Madrid players after this lifeless performance.
Andriy Lunin (5.5): The substitute for Thibaut Courtois didn’t let the side down. Blameless on the first goal conceded, Lunin tried to limit the damage with some crucial saves until that infamous shot from Rafael Leao, which he parried straight into the path of Morata. With little help from his defence, the young keeper did his best, though he’ll likely have trouble sleeping.
Antonio Rudiger (5): A genuine rock in defence, the German put in a solid performance. Always tough in one-on-one situations, the former Chelsea player challenged the Milan attackers, but his aggressiveness alone wasn’t enough to prevent the goals.
Eder Militao (3): Once again, he failed in marking, leading to the first goal of the match. At 26, Militao struggled to read the opponent’s attacks. On AC Milan’s third goal, he defended like a rookie – it was painful to watch!
Lucas Vazquez (2): Up against a formidable opponent in Rafael Leao, the 33-year-old Spanish right-back had a nightmare. Outplayed by Leao’s relentless runs, Vazquez couldn’t contain the threats. Tasked with filling in for Dani Carvajal, he failed to provide the calm Real Madrid’s defence sorely needed. The club’s directors have some serious questions to ask.
Ferland Mendy (5): An improvement on recent performances. Highly anticipated against AC Milan, Mendy held his ground defensively. With fewer threats down his side, he became more involved in the attack.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (4): Positioned as a shield in front of Madrid’s defence, the French midfielder left a poor impression. At fault on Real’s second goal conceded, Tchouaméni displayed frustration. Out of sync, the former Monaco player only fuelled doubts about his role. Even Carlo Ancelotti had seen enough, substituting him at half-time… Definitely not his best showing.
Federico Valverde (4.5): Like the entire Madrid team in the first half, Valverde lacked composure and confidence. A key player in midfield, the Uruguayan was overwhelmed by Milan’s dominance. He was subbed off for Brahim Diaz at half-time, marking his worst performance of the season.
Luka Modric (5): Tasked with bringing calm to the Madrid team, the veteran Croatian couldn’t deliver. Overwhelmed by AC Milan’s energetic midfield, Modric struggled to orchestrate play or provide dangerous passes forward. The magic everyone hoped for just wasn’t there.
Jude Bellingham (5.5): Positioned further forward, where he likes to play, the Englishman showed a lot of intent. But with the team’s overall slump, Bellingham missed several key chances. He’s yet to recover the finishing touch he had last season.
Vinicius Junior (5): After a tough week, particularly with the Ballon d’Or 2024, the Brazilian winger didn’t shy away from the action. As enterprising as ever, Vinicius created several chances, earning a penalty in the 21st minute, which he converted confidently.
In the second half, though, he was much less visible against Milan’s well-organised defence.
Kylian Mbappé (4): Things just aren’t going right for the French striker. Goalless since 10th October, KM9, who reportedly received valuable advice from Karim Benzema recently, was unable to find the net. Poorly served with accurate passes, he managed a few dangerous situations but was thwarted by Mike Maignan, who stood firm between the posts.
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