AC MILAN: DRAW AGAINST REAL MADRID IN KLAGENFURT
In their fifth friendly of pre-season, and against a fierce opponent in Real Madrid, the Rossoneri got a good indication of where they are ahead of the coming season. It ended 0-0, which is slightly deceptive given the sheer volume of chances, especially in the first half. AC Milan started brightly and caused problems for Real's back line on numerous occasions; Leão was a constant threat down the left. The Rossoneri largely held firm at the back, but Los Blancos were awarded a penalty. Bale stepped up to take but Maignan got down smartly to keep out the spot-kick. The tempo dropped slightly in the second half, due in no small part to the various changes made by both coaches. It finished all square in a game, which yielded plenty of good signs. The Rossoneri now face a week of training at Milanello in preparation to Saturday's friendly against Panathinaikos in Trieste.
REPORT
After just two minutes, Leão got into the box in an attempt to get on the end of Saelemaekers' cross, but the ball was cleared away just as the Portuguese was about to shoot. Moments later, a chance fell to Theo, who caught Courtois out with the first-time effort, which struck the post. The game opened up and both sides threatened with each attack; in the eleventh minute, Leão's effort on the turn flew wide following some excellent build-up. We stayed on the front foot, this time with Rafa serving Brahim, but the cross was cut out by Marcelo (16'). Real had their first attempt in the 27th minute; Isco failed to test Maignan, however. One minute later, it was Isco again who threatened the Rossoneri goal as he turned and let off a quickfire effort, which hit the woodwork. Los Blancos kept up the pressure as Alaba forced a great save from Maignan. Bale had a go too, but Maignan palmed the Welshman's long-range effort behind for a corner. After Courtois denied Krunić, Real broke quickly and won a penalty for a foul on Bale but Calabria; Maignan made the save!
The Spanish side began the second half as the better of the two teams and hit the crossbar through Modrić. AC Milan worked their way back into it and Rebić headed over before Brahim's effort on the turn was saved behind for a corner by Lunin. There were many changes and fewer moments of real emotion; AC Milan gave it a go right until the final whistle but there were no goals: 0-0 in Klagenfurt.
(Photo Twitter AC Milan)
