Published By: Sayan Guha

UCL 2024/25: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan- When Milan Shocked Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

The Rossoneri’s stunning comeback under the bright lights of Santiago Bernabeu

It is that time again! On Wednesday, November 6, Real Madrid and AC Milan will square off at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Two teams, two legacies, and one goal: win! Madrid, now 12th in their league, enters with high aspirations. At the same time, Milan, ranked 25th, sorely needs a win to rekindle their Champions League journey.

Madrid and Milan are evenly matched in Champions League history, with six victories and three draws from 15 games. Real Madrid scored 24 goals, while Milan was just ahead by 25. This tight record heightens the intensity of their rivalry.

But as the fever grows, one can’t help but take an emotional jump back to 2009 - the night when Milan upset Real Madrid right on their soil. It was a night packed with everything that makes football fascinating - drama, goals, and a conclusion that only Hollywood could create!

The only Milan win at Bernabeu – 53 years in the making

Believe it or not, it took AC Milan 53 years to win at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. From 1956 until that magical night in October 2009, every Milan supporter viewed the Bernabéu as a fortress they could not conquer. However, that year, Milan achieved something truly remarkable by defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the group stage. This victory was not just any win but an emotional rollercoaster that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

A difficult start – But then Pirlo unleashed his brilliance

Milan had a challenging start to the contest. Dida, their goalkeeper, made a rare mistake in the 19th minute by spilling Granero’s seemingly harmless strike. Raúl Gonzalez, Madrid’s forward, capitalised on the error and scored, putting Real Madrid ahead. The Madrid fans erupted in excitement, sensing victory. However, the Rossoneri were not finished yet.

Shortly after the hour mark, Andrea Pirlo picked up the ball and decided to take a long-range shot. With his usual composure, he unleashed a beautiful strike into the corner of the net, leaving Iker Casillas unable to react. Milan was back in the game!

The one and only star taking centerstage!

If Pirlo’s equaliser sent Milan fans to their feet, Alexandre Pato’s performance brought the house down. Just four minutes after Pirlo’s stunning goal, Massimo Ambrosini played a beautiful ball to Pato, who took advantage of Casillas’ mistake and tucked in Milan’s second. It was like a scene from a dream: the underdogs rise to the occasion against the great Madrid.

But, as we all know, Real Madrid does not back down easily. Royston Drenthe scored a low shot from a corner in the 76th minute, deflecting off the post and into the net to level the game at 2-2. Suddenly, the game was wide open. 

Pato’s spectacular winning volley!

As the minutes passed, tension enveloped the Bernabeu. With just two minutes remaining, Clarence Seedorf, renowned for his assists, sent a perfect cross to Pato. In an instant, the young Brazilian volleyed the ball into the net, putting Milan ahead once again. The Bernabeu fell silent as Milan celebrated their goal. When the final whistle blew, it was complete – Milan had won and conquered the Bernabeu!