Real Madrid 3-2 AC Milan: Valverde and Vinicius Jr shine as Madrid beat Milan in Pre-season friendly
Real Madrid came from behind to squeeze past Milan in the two club’s opening game of their USA Pre-season tours.
Milan collapsed against Los Blancos at the Rose Bowl
It was Fikayo Tomori and Luka Romero who helped Milan to go 2-0 up at half-time. However, two quickfire goals from Federico Valverde followed by Vinicius’ 83rd-minute strike, saw Madrid come out on top in the first pre-season friendly of their U.S. tour.
Milan scored first in the first half when Fikayo Tomori leapt above the Madrid defence to score from a Christian Pulisic corner just before the half-hour mark.
Moreover, they extended their lead in the second half, when 18-year-old Luka Romero curled home the Rossoneri’s second of the night from the edge of the box just minutes after replacing Junior Messias.
The Rossoneri were relatively comfortable in the first half, but collapsed after the break.
Real Madrid come from behind to beat Milan
Carlo Ancelotti decided to start summer arrivals Jude Bellingham, Joselu and Brahim Diaz in his starting 11. Whereas Fran Garcia came on as one of eight half-time changes, and young sensation Arda Guler missed out with muscular discomfort.
Ancelotti lined up in a new 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond, with Bellingham playing behind Diaz and Joselu. Ancelotti introduced both Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo after the break. However, it was Valverde who had them level by the 58th minute.
The two sides traded chances after Milan’s stretch of calamity, but Real Madrid snatched the win late through Vini Jr. The Brazilian snuck in behind the Milan defence to slot home in the dying minutes.
Real Madrid and AC Milan’s next games in the Pre-season tour
Milan will continue their preseason tour in the U.S., with matches against Juventus on Thursday and Barcelona on August 1, before beginning Serie A with a trip to face Bologna on August 21.
Madrid will face Manchester United on Wednesday and take on their rivals Barcelona in a preseason El Clasico in Arlington, Texas, on July 29, followed by their last match in the U.S. against Juventus on Aug. 2.
