AC Milan 1-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid owned the match against Milan in San Siro on Tuesday, affixiated the host on several occasions and displayed some of their best football of the season. They controlled possession of the ball as well as scoring opportunities and Benzema knocked in his first goal in Champions League action this year. But the Whites were unable to walk away victorious after the hosts equalized by way of a Ronaldinho penalty. The pace slowed in the second half and the scoreboard didn’t budge, but Real Madrid are one step closer to the Last 16 after the 1-1 draw.

The Whites played an impeccable first half with splendid passing and pressure against an opponent that looked uneasy on its own turf. The Rossoneri relied on the counterattack by capitalizaing on Pato’s speed, but it was Real who created one opportunity after the next. Lass from long range (9’), Higuain from the top of the box (13’), Xabi following a free-kick (16’), Benzema with a against-the-grain strike (19’)… With twenty minutes off the clock Real Madrid led 4-0 in shots on goal.

Milan’s first clear chance came off the boots of Pato, who feinted inside the Madridista box only to be stymied by Casillas. The visitors needed to settle down and were able to do so on 29’, when following a shot by Kaka, the ball deflected off Thiago Silva and Dida cleared. Benzema scooped it up inside the box and curled in a low burner for his first goal in Europe this season (29’).

Just when Madrid hit cruise control, Zambrotta’s cross hit Pepe’s forearm while inside the box and the referee called the penalty. Ronaldinho took the spot kick and put the equalizer on the board with a shot into the corner (34’). Two minutes later, Pato had a goal disallowed after being called for a hand-ball. By halftime, the best way to sum up the first 45 minutes was 16 shots for Real Madrid and only three for Milan.

The second half saw more of the same from Milan and a less intense Madrid side. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, although the Whites still controlled possession. Ambrosini’s shot sailed wide following a Pirlo cross (59’), Kaka had a go from outside the box (69’), Higuain was unable to meet a center put in by Arbeloa (71’) and Casillas trapped a cross that Borrierllo attempted to get a foot to. Raul came on for Higuian (76’) and Benzema was replaced by Van Nistelrooy (83’).

Milan had two close encounters down the home stretch. Inzaghi sent a Pato cross over the woodwork and on 84’ the Italian forward sent another ball into the stands. Real Madrid responded with a shot by Marcelo that Dida got a fingertip to and a strike by Raul, who was centimeters away from giving the Whites the lead. The final score saw each team earn a point despite overall superiority by the Madridistas.

Lineups:

Milan: Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho, Borriello (Inzaghi 80′);

Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Higuaín (Raúl 76′), Benzema (Van Nistelrooy 83′);

Goals:

0-1, 29′: Benzema;

1-1, 35′: Ronaldinho (Pen);

Referee: Mr. Felix Brych (GER).

Booked: Pepe, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Pato;

Notes: Matchday 4 of the Champions League.

Played at: San Siro.

Attendance: 75, 902.