Real Madrid’s Champions League woes continued on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan. The loss marked Madrid’s second in four matches and left them languishing in the middle of the table.
Kylian Mbappe, who has struggled to find his best form since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, failed to score again and has now netted just once in his last six matches for Madrid. The French striker was denied by Mike Maignan in the first half and again before halftime.
Milan took the lead in the 12th minute through Malick Thiaw’s header from a corner. Vinicius Junior equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled by Emerson Royal, but Alvaro Morata restored Milan’s lead before the break.
Tijjani Reijnders sealed the victory for Milan in the second half, finishing off a superb solo run by Rafael Leao. Madrid’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Antonio Rudiger’s goal was ruled offside.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team is “not giving a good account of itself” and called for improvements in compactness and organization. “We have to be worried,” he said. “The team’s not giving a good account of itself.”
Milan coach Paulo Fonseca praised his team’s bravery and work rate. “The players came here with courage, didn’t have any fear… in the first half we created plenty and in the second half we were on the back foot, but we fought together,” he said.
Madrid’s next Champions League match is at Anfield against Liverpool, by when Ancelotti will hope to have solved some of his team’s growing problems.
