July 24, 2023
Pasadena, USA – The highly anticipated Soccer Champions Tour 2023 kicked off with a bang as AC Milan secured a thrilling victory against Spanish giants Real Madrid in a prestigious friendly match held at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The clash between the European powerhouses saw both teams fielding strong line-ups, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter that did not disappoint the eager fans.
The official line-ups revealed by the respective coaches showcased the depth and talent possessed by both Real Madrid and AC Milan. Real Madrid, under the guidance of seasoned manager Carlo Ancelotti, opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Lunin standing guard between the posts. Vázquez, Militão, Nacho, and Mendy formed a solid defensive line, while Valverde, Camavinga, and Kroos controlled the midfield. Bellingham and Díaz operated just behind striker Joselu.
On the other hand, AC Milan’s head coach Stefano Pioli set his team in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming for a proactive attacking approach. Sportiello got the nod as the goalkeeper, supported by a backline of Calabria, Simić, Tomori, and Florenzi. The midfield trio of Loftus-Cheek, Krunić, and Pobega provided creativity and stability, while the front three comprised of Messias, Colombo, and Pulisic, eager to trouble the Real Madrid defense.
As the match commenced, the Rose Bowl was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Both teams showcased their attacking prowess, creating several scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Real Madrid’s Bellingham and Díaz made incisive runs, challenging AC Milan’s defense, but Sportiello and the backline stood firm, denying any early breakthroughs.
AC Milan, however, showcased their quick and fluid passing style, putting Real Madrid’s defense under significant pressure. Messias and Pulisic displayed exceptional dribbling skills, testing Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Lunin on multiple occasions.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 30th minute when a well-executed team play from AC Milan led to a clinical finish by Colombo, giving the Italian side a well-deserved lead. The goal injected more intensity into the match, with Real Madrid pushing forward relentlessly in search of an equalizer.
In the second half, both teams made strategic substitutions to maintain the tempo of the game. Real Madrid’s manager Ancelotti brought on star players like Modrić, Rodrygo, and Vini Jr., while Pioli responded by introducing De Ketelaere, Giroud, and Leão into the mix.
As the clock ticked down, Real Madrid increased their attacking pressure, but AC Milan’s defense, led by the resolute Tomori and Calabria, held firm. Sportiello also made a series of crucial saves to deny Real Madrid an equalizer.
Ultimately, AC Milan’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved decisive, as they held on to their slim lead until the final whistle. The final score stood at 1-0 in favor of the Italian giants, signaling a positive start to their Soccer Champions Tour 2023 campaign.
As the players congratulated each other on a hard-fought match, fans from both sides applauded the exhilarating display of football exhibited by the teams. The friendly encounter between Real Madrid and AC Milan demonstrated the world-class quality of both clubs and added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the forthcoming matches in the Soccer Champions Tour 2023.
With this impressive victory against Real Madrid, AC Milan has set the tone for an exciting tour ahead, leaving fans eager to witness more scintillating football from the historic Italian club.
