In a game that was meant to show Real Madrid’s resurgence, Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan instead highlighted a team struggling to find its footing under the weight of expectation. Kylian Mbappé, who was brought in to be Madrid’s spark, failed to deliver the fireworks. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical tweaks and substitutions did little to stem the bleeding as Madrid suffered their second Champions League loss in four games. Now, a murky cloud hovers over their Champions League dreams.
A Familiar Struggle for Madrid
Coming off a 4-0 drubbing in El Clásico, Madrid needed a powerful response. However, their performance was disappointingly reminiscent of recent matches. They displayed flashes of potential, registering 23 shots and a decent expected goals (xG) stat of 2.44. Yet, they walked away with only one goal, a stark reminder that converting chances has been Madrid’s Achilles’ heel this season.
The evening began with promise but quickly devolved. Milan took the lead with Malick Thiaw’s header, only for Vinícius Júnior to equalize with a cheeky Panenka penalty. The tide was supposed to turn. But then came a goal from Álvaro Morata, the former Madrid striker who’s apparently made a habit of haunting his old club. And when Tijjani Reijnders delivered a third goal, Madrid’s fate was sealed.
Mbappé and Madrid: A Dream Struggling to Materialize
When Kylian Mbappé arrived, fans envisioned Madrid dominating Europe. Instead, the “Mbappé Project” has been full of missteps. Mbappé managed eight shots but saw only three on target, leaving fans groaning with each miss. For a player of his caliber, this was not a stellar display, and his xG of 0.54 summed up the underwhelming night.
But Mbappé’s challenge isn’t limited to his own play. His presence has inadvertently shifted the dynamics within the squad. Vinícius Júnior, once Madrid’s go-to attacker, now seems somewhat overshadowed, although he delivered one of the evening’s few bright moments with his goal. Jude Bellingham, a star in his debut season, hasn’t scored since last season, adding to Madrid’s attacking puzzle.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Headache
Ancelotti tried almost everything in his playbook. Five substitutions later, with Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Díaz, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, and Fran García taking the field, the team looked more chaotic than cohesive. While the changes were meant to ignite Madrid’s offense, they only added to the disarray.
Madrid’s defense, once their stronghold, has also weakened. With Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, the backline seemed more porous than secure. Andriy Lunin, Madrid’s young keeper, made several key saves, but even his efforts couldn’t prevent a defensive breakdown, leaving the goal exposed time and again.
The Pressure Mounts as Madrid’s Campaign Hangs in the Balance
Madrid’s Champions League record this season has been shaky at best. Their last-second win over Stuttgart came via late goals, and their stunning comeback against Dortmund was a one-off. Milan’s swift counterattacks exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities, especially as the midfield failed to track back. It’s been a season of mixed signals, and one can only wonder how much longer the “Mbappé Project” will get the benefit of the doubt.
With Liverpool looming next in the Champions League, Madrid has an uphill battle. Before that, they’ll face La Liga opponents Osasuna and Leganés, games that are theoretically easy but might prove tricky given Madrid’s recent form.
Key Takeaways from Madrid’s Loss to Milan
- Mbappé’s Form Needs Work: Eight shots with only three on target highlight Mbappé’s struggle to find his groove in Madrid’s system.
- Ancelotti’s Tactics Under Scrutiny: Multiple substitutions led to more confusion than clarity, raising questions about Ancelotti’s game management.
- Defensive Issues Continue: Madrid’s once-staunch defense is now alarmingly porous, a vulnerability they can’t afford with Liverpool on the horizon.
FAQs
Madrid’s lack of cohesion and failure to convert scoring chances were significant. Despite 23 shots, they only netted one goal.
Mbappé struggled, missing several opportunities. He had eight shots but only three on target, highlighting Madrid’s attacking inefficiency.
Madrid has two wins and two losses, leaving their Champions League future uncertain. With Liverpool next, Madrid needs to turn things around quickly.
Ancelotti made five substitutions, hoping to spark an offensive resurgence. However, these changes added confusion rather than solutions.
Vinícius Júnior scored the lone goal for Madrid via a penalty.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan raises serious questions about the direction of the club under the “Mbappé Project.” With high-profile stars and an experienced coach, Madrid has the pieces on paper. But on the pitch, they look far from cohesive, struggling to score and riddled with defensive lapses. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics and team selections will face further scrutiny as the team heads toward a pivotal match against Liverpool.
The road to Champions League success is long, and Madrid has time to right the ship. However, they must address these recurring issues—fast. As it stands, the “Mbappé Project” looks more like a work in progress than the completed masterpiece fans expected. Only time will tell if Madrid can live up to their potential or if this season will be remembered as one of missed opportunities.
