Real Madrid Host AC Milan in Champions League Fixture

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League group stages is finally here.

Tonight, two of Europe’s heavyweights clash at the mighty Santiago Bernabeu as Spanish giants Real Madrid play host to Italian powerhouse AC Milan for the second year running in the stadium where last year’s final crowned Inter Milan champions of Europe.

The titans clashed in the Spanish capital exactly one year ago as the Rossoneri—under the tutelage of then-coach Leonardo—collected all three points, courtesy of an Alexandre Pato brace.

José Mourinho has, since his treble triumph with Inter, made it his personal agenda to conquer Europe’s elite competition for the second consecutive time in order to become the first tactician in history to lift the prestigious trophy with three different clubs.

While the "Special One" remains a household name, his Serie A counterpart is making only his third year in the Italian top tier—and his first in the European cup.

Merits aside, there are three vital points at stake in the group of death. However, it only takes a moment of magic to decide the outcome of this game, and with both sides boasting a truckload each, just about anything could happen in tonight’s mouth-watering fixture.

Real Madrid

Already boasting a deadly offense, José Mourinho made sure to sort out and plug the holes in the leaking Real Madrid defense before the end of the transfer window.

Since then, the Spaniards have opened the season in style and are currently topping the charts with 17 points to their name. On top of that, José Mourinho’s men sit atop Group G—the group of death—having collected maximum points thus far.

Los Merengues put on a dominant performance against Ajax in the opening day game against the Dutch side and went on to secure a much-deserved 2-0 victory thanks to Gonzalo Higuaín and an own goal signed by Vurnon Anita.

Nevertheless, it took 81 minutes to break the deadlock on French soil, as Real walked away with a 1-0 victory against Auxerre with substitute Angel Di Maria scoring a late winner.

By collecting a maximum of six points in their two outings, a victory in tonight’s clash could virtually see the Spaniards through to the next round of the competition.

However, Mourinho will have to make do without the services of Fernando Gago as well as long-term absentees Ezequiel Garay and Kaká who have yet to feature this season. Raúl Albiol has returned to full fitness, but key-figure Sergio Ramos will have to watch from the sidelines due to injury.

AC Milan

The Milanese outfit shot up as serious title contenders towards the end of the transfer window as they secured the services of former Inter Milan icon, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Manchester City misfit (and former Real Madrid player) Robinho. Together with Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho, the side’s "tridente" boast one of the continent’s most lethal offences.

The late acquisitions have proved decisive—Ibrahimovic, in particular, who has quickly settled back into his former surroundings. The Sweden international has played an integral part in the Rossoneri’s campaign so far and has already scored three times in the Champions League.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men are currently only two points shy of the top spot in the domestic league and have, in two Champions League outings, collected a total of four points.

Milan grabbed all three points in their opening day match against French outfit Auxerre thanks to a few moments of magic from Ibrahimovic who managed to score twice within three minutes.

In the following fixture, away to Ajax, it was time for the Swede to step up once more—this time to score an all-important equalizer to spare AC blushes against his former side.

Despite picking up a minor injury in the weekend against Chievo, Christian Abbiati has been included in the squad, but if he features remains to be seen. The same goes for Thiago Silva. However, both Massimo Ambrosini and Marek Jankulovski will miss tonight’s prestigious clash.