Real Madrid’s recent slump reached a new low on Wednesday after a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu in the UEFA Champions League, only their second loss in 19 matches against Italian sides. Fresh from a 4-0 El Clásico defeat to Barcelona, Madrid’s sluggish start saw them punished early when Malick Thiaw headed home from a Christian Pulisic corner in the 13th minute.
Vinícius Júnior briefly revived Madrid’s hopes when he won and then converted a Panenka-style penalty after a foul by Emerson Royal, but Milan refused to yield, moving back in front as Tijjani Reijnders had an effort that Álvaro Morata scored against his old club from after Andriy Lunin had parried.
At halftime, Carlo Ancelotti made changes as Brahim Díaz and Eduardo Camavinga were introduced into the action, but the adjustment had little effect as Real continued to suffer. Once again, Lunin was forced into action, producing a great save to deny Rafael Leão’s header.
Milan sealed the win with a third goal as Leão set up Reijnders, who coolly finished through Lunin’s legs. A late strike by Antonio Rüdiger was ruled out for offside, capping a miserable night for Madrid, who now face an uphill battle for a place in the UCL last 16.
