Real Madrid 0-1 AC Milan: Three things we learned – gems dazzle and headaches emerge (2024)

AC Milan made it two wins from two out in the United States as they beat European champions Real Madrid 1-0 at Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t quite the classic that the Manchester City game was in New York on Saturday night – at least in terms of end product – but there were once again some very positive signs from a youthful Milan side.

Samuel Chukwueze got the only goal of the game 10 minutes after the restart as he buried Mattia Liberali’s feed past Andriy Lunin, and in truth Paulo Fonseca’s men missed other chances to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Nonetheless, it was another important exercise and some very valuable minutes in the legs as that first game against Torino draws closer. We have picked out three key takeaways from the game.

Gems shine bright

It is impossible not to be impressed by the character and personality that Milan’s youngest players showed during the win against Los Blancos, and the one who stole the show was Liberali.

The 17-year-old was given a start by Fonseca and he had no problem getting involved in the playmaker role, showing good dribbling, smart passing and that he can use that low centre of gravity to evade pressure. Getting an assist for the goal was the least he deserved.

Marco Nasti didn’t get on the ball too much but did fire a shot on target that Thibaut Courtois saved well, while at the other end Lorenzo Torriani once again demonstrated so much confidence on the ball. The 19-year-old will be impressing Fonseca, and is likely to remain as the third-choice keeper.

Then it was the turn of the substitutes. Alex Jimenez came on at left-back and looked very lively indeed, darting forward on a number of occasions to demonstrate his lightning pace, while also tidying up defensive on a couple of occasions too.

Francesco Camarda got a small portion at the end of the game and even he showed some bright signs, getting on the ball and participating in the build-up, showing that he is beginning to leverage his big frame to good effect.

Spoilt for choice

We wrote just over a week ago about how the USA tour was a chance for some players to stake a claim, not only for a starting spot but also to show the management that they should not be considered for sale.

Although he was probably not an exit candidate, Samu Chukwueze comes into this season with a point to prove and after getting two assists against Manchester City, he was the match-winner in Chicago. The Nigerian was bright, proactive and could have had another assist for Christian Pulisic.

On the other flank Alexis Saelemaekers put in a performance that was perhaps not as polished as the first two friendlies but again showed how useful he can be at both ends with his dribbling and coverage. We might now be able to consider him Rafael Leao’s deputy.

The midfield double pivot featured Ismael Bennacer, a player who could find himself starting less if the linked new signings arrived. However, the Algerian looked much sharper and should have notched an assist but for the crossbar denying Malick Thiaw’s header.

Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw are under scrutiny to cut out errors while also being the ones who start the ‘Fonseca-ball’ moves, and after a couple of scares they both looked quite solid. Tomori charged up from the line to cut out the ball and find Liberali for the goal, while Thiaw was aerially dominant.

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Clues about roles

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was in a deeper role than usual and it seemed to suit him more. He is far better as someone who can carry the ball from deep and isn’t relied upon constantly for end product, so that will give Fonseca food for thought moving forward.

Saelemaekers played on the left again as mentioned, while Christian Pulisic came on as an attacking midfielder after a report suggested Fonseca might use him there more often. He really should have put away the chance he was presented by Chukwueze after he found him in behind, though the chemistry was good to see.

Pierre Kalulu came on as a full-back, not a centre-back, which is again something that was indicated as being a possibility based on training. However, it is worth remembering that Alessandro Florenzi was out injured, Filippo Terracciano started on the left, Jimenez took over there and Adam Bakoune came on late, so perhaps this isn’t as concrete an indication.

Finally, one of the most interesting cameos came from Yunus Musah. Brought on in the double pivot, he skilfully evaded pressure on a couple of occasions, wowing the crowd with a roulette and looking like he could well be a solution in that role, even if the mercato might yet provide further resources.

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