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Madrid looks to show credentials vs. Milan
Source: Agencies |
October 19, 2010, Tuesday
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REAL Madrid's hopes of winning the Champions League this season will face an early test today when Jose Mourinho's side takes on AC Milan in Group G.
Madrid couldn't go into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in better shape. The team is undefeated and sits top of the Spanish league thanks in large part to Cristiano Ronaldo's league-leading six goals.
"It's our first serious game of the season," said goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who will make his record 104th Champions League appearance.
Ronaldo not only scored twice in Saturday's convincing 4-1 win at Malaga, but he also set up both of striker Gonzalo Higuain's goals and leads the league in assists with four.
But Mourinho downplayed the importance of this marquee matchup between two clubs that have a combined 16 victories in the history of the competition.
"We prepare for every game the same. No one opponent is more respected than the other," Mourinho said yesterday. "Tomorrow is no game that is out of this world, it's just one more, worth the same points. Life goes on."
Casillas added: "I agree with what the coach said that it's just another game, but it's also a Real Madrid-Milan."
Madrid can certainly leave itself on the verge of reaching the knockout stages with a victory and Mourinho can count on a near full squad after Raul Albiol and Sergio Canales returned from injury. Fullback Sergio Ramos is expected to be available after sitting out Saturday, while only former Milan playmaker Kaka is certain to be absent.
But Milan will take confidence from a 3-2 win in Madrid last season thanks to a brace from striker Pato.
Madrid, a record nine-time winner of Europe's top club competition, won its first two games against Ajax and Auxerre to lead with six points, while seven-time champion Milan has four.
"We are in tiptop condition physically and mentally right now," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said though a translator yesterday. "But tomorrow is essential for our journey in the Champions League."
Two goals from Pato led Milan to a 3-1 win over Genoa at the weekend, while Robinho also scored his first goal for his new club. The Brazil striker returns to face his old club for the first time, having played for Madrid from 2005-2008 before moving to Manchester City.
"I don't go with a desire for revenge," Robinho told yesterday's Marca newspaper. "I only go with the desire to win what is a very important game for our Champions League future."
Robinho, Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho combined well against Genoa. Ibrahimovic returns to face Mourinho for the first time since he swapped Inter Milan for Barcelona and the Portuguese coach expects the Sweden striker to be at his best on his return to Spain after a Barcelona stint marked by a lack of confidence.
Madrid couldn't go into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in better shape. The team is undefeated and sits top of the Spanish league thanks in large part to Cristiano Ronaldo's league-leading six goals.
"It's our first serious game of the season," said goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who will make his record 104th Champions League appearance.
Ronaldo not only scored twice in Saturday's convincing 4-1 win at Malaga, but he also set up both of striker Gonzalo Higuain's goals and leads the league in assists with four.
But Mourinho downplayed the importance of this marquee matchup between two clubs that have a combined 16 victories in the history of the competition.
"We prepare for every game the same. No one opponent is more respected than the other," Mourinho said yesterday. "Tomorrow is no game that is out of this world, it's just one more, worth the same points. Life goes on."
Casillas added: "I agree with what the coach said that it's just another game, but it's also a Real Madrid-Milan."
Madrid can certainly leave itself on the verge of reaching the knockout stages with a victory and Mourinho can count on a near full squad after Raul Albiol and Sergio Canales returned from injury. Fullback Sergio Ramos is expected to be available after sitting out Saturday, while only former Milan playmaker Kaka is certain to be absent.
But Milan will take confidence from a 3-2 win in Madrid last season thanks to a brace from striker Pato.
Madrid, a record nine-time winner of Europe's top club competition, won its first two games against Ajax and Auxerre to lead with six points, while seven-time champion Milan has four.
"We are in tiptop condition physically and mentally right now," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said though a translator yesterday. "But tomorrow is essential for our journey in the Champions League."
Two goals from Pato led Milan to a 3-1 win over Genoa at the weekend, while Robinho also scored his first goal for his new club. The Brazil striker returns to face his old club for the first time, having played for Madrid from 2005-2008 before moving to Manchester City.
"I don't go with a desire for revenge," Robinho told yesterday's Marca newspaper. "I only go with the desire to win what is a very important game for our Champions League future."
Robinho, Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho combined well against Genoa. Ibrahimovic returns to face Mourinho for the first time since he swapped Inter Milan for Barcelona and the Portuguese coach expects the Sweden striker to be at his best on his return to Spain after a Barcelona stint marked by a lack of confidence.
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