CL Preview: Real Madrid Host AC Milan at the Mighty Bernabeu

Matchday three's most anticipated fixture is around the corner as AC Milan lace boots of war to take on Spanish giants Real Madrid at the mighty Santiago Bernabeu.

Real are topping the group with maximum points from both of their group stage outings whereas Milan surprisingly fell to a defeat against FC Zürich on the second matchday and now sit in third place considering the Swiss outfit’s superior goal tally.

A player who was at one time so brilliant now returns to the stage where he once received standing ovations from the opposing fans. Another who is hailed as one of the world’s current top players awaits an emotional reunion with his old teammates with whom he was forced to part ways earlier this year.

In other words, more than points will be at stake as two of Europe’s powerhouses prepare to battle it out at the stadium of the 2010 Champions League final.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are proudly topping group C after two consecutive victories in their opening game's group stage fixtures. Los Merengues recorded an impressive 5-2 away victory against FC Zürich and followed up with a 3-0 home win against Marseille.

The Frenchmen were putting up a good fight at the Santiago Bernabeu but six magical minutes changed the outcome of the game as Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace with Kaká adding a third.

Most of the new arrivals have settled well into the team with Cristiano Ronaldo already scoring like possessed. Kaká, Xabi Alonso, and Karim Benzema are on their way but the latter has received much criticism due to his work-rate on the pitch which has thus far only resulted in three goals.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side has only lost this season as they succumbed to Sevilla at the Ramón Sanchez Pizjuán by a 2-1 scoreline. Although it has been their sole defeat this season, it did highlight the team’s problematic areas very clearly.

Real have scored 21 goals in nine outings and conceded only six along the way. However, don’t be fooled by the fancy numbers. The backline has been the main issue of concern for Los Merengues this season and the number of conceded goals would have been at least the double had it not been for Iker Casillas’ brilliant run of form.

The defenders have been horrible with marking their players which has naturally resulted in the set pieces having become the team’s biggest enemies.

On top of that the team has been labeled as Cristiano-dependant due to the Portuguese winger’s incredibly bright start to the season, but it is somewhat questionable considering it has been Casillas who’s been the most decisive player thus far. Either way, it’s a major blow for the home side to be missing their highest goalscorer ahead of such an important clash.

Although Real are welcoming a team that has been going through an early crisis, this game could very well turn out to be their turning point. Record-breaking captain Raúl who recorded his 711th appearance in the Real jersey last week is sure to be at his best per usual.

The same goes for former Milanstar Kaká who’s coming up against his beloved club for the first time since his summer switch to the Spanish capital. The pressure is one the home team to deliver—and they need to do it in style.

Probable starting XI: Casillas; Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, L. Diarra; Kaka, Granero; Raul, Higuain

AC Milan

AC Milan is currently sitting in third place in group C—tied on points with FC Zürich but with an inferior goal record. After getting off to a high-flying start in their opening day 2-1 away win against French outfit Marseille courtesy of a Filippo Inzaghi brace, things didn’t go quite as smoothly in the second round.

The Rossoneri fell to a surprising defeat against Swiss side Zürich on matchday two after Hannu Tihinen scored the only goal in front of a shell-shocked San Siro crowd.

Rookie coach Leonardo has been under fire ever since the 4-0 derby defeat to city rival's Inter Milan, but received some much-needed breathing space after his side recorded a victory against AS Roma on Sunday evening as Brazilian duo Ronaldinho and Alexandro Pato paved the way.

The Milan tactician had switched his preferred 4-3-1-2 to a more compact 4-4-2 after reportedly sitting down with his players. One good result doesn’t, however, mean that all the problems are gone. The team has only scored eight goals in 10 outings this season and conceded 10 along the way.

Goalkeeper Marco Storari and centre-back Alessandro Nesta has without a doubt been the team’s most consistent players and revelations of some sort. The latter has come to form a strong central defense partnership alongside the newly arrived Brazilian, Thiago Silva. The same can, however not be said for wingbacks Gianluca Zambrotta and Massimo Oddo who have been quite disappointing thus far.

Andrea Pirlo continues to mix good with bad but the Brazilian duo up front consisting of Pato and Ronaldinho looks like they could be on to something promising. A few seasons ago the entire crowd at the Bernabeu gave Ronnie a standing ovation as he toyed around with Los Blancos. The playmaker certainly showed that he still has the magic touch, but the question is; can he deliver it on a more consistent basis?

The win against Roma certainly acts as a much-needed morale boost, but Leonardo’s men need to be wary when they enter the pitch on Wednesday evening.

Probable starting XI: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Abate, Pirlo, Flamini, Seedorf; Pato, Ronaldinho.