The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed an unexpected result on November 5, 2024, as AC Milan triumphed over Real Madrid with a 3-1 victory in their UEFA Champions League encounter. The match highlighted the Italian side’s skill and determination, leaving Madrid fans and analysts to reflect on what went wrong for the home team.
From the start, AC Milan showed ambition. They quickly capitalized on their momentum, scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute. Defender Malick Thiaw headed in from a well-placed cross by Christian Pulisic, silencing the crowd. This early strike set the tone for a spirited Milan side that looked intent on controlling the game.

Real Madrid, not ones to bow out easily, responded with equal vigor. Their efforts paid off when Vinícius Júnior netted a penalty in the 23rd minute after being brought down in the box. His calm finish briefly rejuvenated the home side’s supporters and sparked hopes of a comeback. However, the joy was short-lived as Milan managed to regain their lead.
Álvaro Morata, who has previously played for Real Madrid, proved crucial against his former club. He scored in the 39th minute, expertly taking advantage of defensive errors to put Milan back ahead before halftime. Morata’s celebration was subdued yet carried a weight that underscored the significance of his goal against a familiar opponent.

The second half saw Madrid attempting to claw their way back into the game. The home side had their moments but struggled with sharp finishing and effective playmaking. AC Milan, on the other hand, remained composed and tactically disciplined. Their counter-attacking strategy paid dividends when Tijjani Reijnders struck in the 73rd minute, assisted by Rafael Leão’s quick thinking and deft pass. This goal cemented Milan’s dominance and deflated Madrid’s comeback ambitions.
Madrid’s late attempts to shift the momentum, including key substitutions and tactical adjustments, failed to bear fruit. The final whistle confirmed AC Milan’s impressive 3-1 win, a result that showcased their resilience and capability to perform on one of the most intimidating stages in Europe.

The victory not only boosted Milan’s position in the Champions League group standings but also underscored the need for Real Madrid to address their vulnerabilities. While Vinícius Júnior’s penalty was a highlight for Madrid, the team’s defense and coordination issues were exposed by Milan’s decisive and varied attacking play.
For the visitors, it was a night to remember, with standout performances from Thiaw, Morata, and Reijnders. Their blend of youth and experience, as well as a strategic game plan, proved too much for the Spanish giants. This win is set to inspire Milan as they look to secure progression in the tournament and build on their current form.

Real Madrid, now faced with a setback, must regroup quickly. With crucial fixtures ahead, they’ll need to refine their approach, ensuring their defensive lines are more robust and their attacking plays sharper. The pressure is on manager Carlo Ancelotti and his squad to recover from this blow and keep their Champions League campaign on track.
Milan’s victory at the Bernabéu will be celebrated not just for the points but for the message it sends to their competition: this is a team capable of challenging Europe’s elites. As the Champions League progresses, AC Milan has shown that they are more than capable of making their mark in this season’s edition.
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