Real Madrid beat Milan in last-minute thriller, Bellingham shines on debut
Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over AC Milan in their final preseason friendly at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The game was decided by a stunning goal from Vinicius Junior in the 90th minute, after Fede Valverde had scored a brace for the Spanish giants. Jude Bellingham, the new signing from Borussia Dortmund, also impressed on his debut for Real Madrid.
A fast start
Real Madrid started the game with a high intensity and took the lead in the 14th minute, when Valverde finished off a brilliant team move involving Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard. The Uruguayan midfielder doubled his tally in the 25th minute, when he pounced on a rebound from a Benzema shot and fired past Mike Maignan.
Milan, who were missing several key players due to injuries and Covid-19, struggled to cope with Real Madrid’s pressure and creativity. The Italian champions had only one shot on target in the first half, which was easily saved by Thibaut Courtois.
A comeback attempt
The second half saw Milan make several changes and show more aggression and determination. The Rossoneri reduced the deficit in the 56th minute, when Franck Kessie converted a penalty after being fouled by Eder Militao. The Ivorian midfielder then equalized in the 72nd minute, when he headed in a cross from Davide Calabria.
Real Madrid also made several substitutions and introduced some of their new signings, such as Bellingham, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga. Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid for a reported fee of €80 million¹, was particularly impressive, showing his pace, skill, and vision. The 18-year-old Englishman almost scored in the 82nd minute, when he dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful shot that hit the post.
A late winner
The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but Real Madrid had other ideas. In the final minute of regulation time, Vinicius Junior received a pass from Bellingham and cut inside from the left wing. The Brazilian winger then unleashed a curling shot that flew past Maignan and into the top corner of the net, sending the Real Madrid fans into ecstasy.
The goal was Vinicius Junior’s third of the preseason, after scoring against Rangers and Inter Milan². The 21-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, who has praised his improvement and confidence³.
A positive result
The win was Real Madrid’s fourth of the preseason, after beating Rangers (2-1), Inter Milan (3-0), and Juventus (4-1)⁴. The Spanish giants have scored 12 goals and conceded only four in their five games, showing their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid this summer after leaving Everton, has expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance and preparation for the new season. The Italian coach has also given opportunities to some of the young talents from the academy, such as Miguel Gutierrez, Antonio Blanco, and Marvin Park⁵.
Real Madrid will kick off their La Liga campaign on August 14, when they face Alaves at the Mendizorroza Stadium⁶. The team will be hoping to reclaim the title they lost to Atletico Madrid last season by a narrow margin. They will also be aiming to challenge for the Champions League trophy, which they have not won since 2018.
Real Madrid fans will be optimistic about their chances this season, after Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over AC Milan. With a mix of experience and youth, quality and depth, and attack and defense, Real Madrid look ready to compete for glory on all fronts.