In Spanish, “Real” translates to “Royal.” And Real Madrid
have been successful at living up to their name over the years. This match was
no exception, with quality play throughout and three excellent and deserved
goals for the win. But something that struck me about this match is the way
they respect their opponents. No whining and diving like their Catalonian
adversaries. Just respecting their opponents by playing their best, then
respecting the game, the ref, everything. I was impressed with the level of
class, even if it was a royal rumble.
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| Maldini was part of the royalty that made this clash classy |
The game got off to an exciting start, with Benzema scoring
a great header in the second minute. Real Madrid 1-0. But Higuain, scoring
against his former team, answered right back with an incredible goal from
distance just two minutes later to make it 1-1 all. What a fantastic debut for
Higuain in the Milan shirt. (Even if they were wearing those hideous third kits
that look like a bunch of raspberries got in a fight with some black ink inside
a blender.)
I was really proud of the way we played against the reigning
Champions League winners, particularly since they’ve won the last three in a
row. While they still dominated possession, we created some great chances and
made Navas work really hard. Most of our players had solid games, or even
really good games, and it felt like they are already a team, especially
compared to this same time last year. Defensively, we were pretty consistent,
despite conceding another goal in stoppage time of the first half by Bale from
a corner, 2-1 Real Madrid.
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| Finally, Milan belong at the palace again |
The second half was a nonstop parade of substitutes, with
Lopetegui literally subbing at least 7-8 players over a three minute period
beginning in the 76th minute. (Even after having made a few subs already.) Their
depth is so impressive. Bacca and Cutrone were impressive when they both subbed
on, I wouldn’t mind exploring our striker options there. But in the end, José Mauri
will never compete with a player like Casemiro, or pretty much anyone else that
played in a white kit in this match. Which is why, in stoppage time, Mayoral
scored their third goal on the night, a rebound from a great Gigio save.
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| Our new captain making us forget the last one in attack and on defense |
The most amazing part for me was actually the trophy
presentation. After watching our brand new captain, Romagnoli, bring the trophy
to the presentation area, Sergio Ramos saluted his idol, Paolo Maldini, who was
on hand to help present the trophy. Incredible how much credibility one man
could bring back to our club with his mere presence. I mean we all knew he
would, but to see it firsthand from our opponents made it tangible and real. It
really does feel like this time, Milan is going to be okay again. With all of
the love shown between ex-players, national teammates, and old friends, it was
more like attending a royal event than a football game. So even in loss, it was
great to witness the royal rumble.
This post inspired by the music of XTC’s
“King For A Day”
Our next match is
Serie A Week 1
Milan vs. Genoa
Sunday, August 19
• 20:30 CEST (2:30pm EDT)