Milan 2, Real Madrid 2: Inspired Old Guards Not Enough To Inspire Milan Win

It took a while, but it finally came—a Milan performance characterised by grit and determination that almost translated into an unlikely win. In the lead-up to this match, given Milan’s recent poor form and their humiliating loss to Real Madrid two weeks ago, many pundits, including myself, wrote off Milan’s chances.

Yet Milan were only one minute away from claiming a momentous victory. Had it not been for the dagger placed into the hearts of the Milan tifosi by the young Pedro Leon, a victory it would have been.

But it was not to be on this most captivating night of European football.

For Milan, the hero of the night was of course Pippo Inzaghi, or more appropriately, SuperPippo. At the age of 37, Pippo added yet another chapter to an already incredible career.

Though they were not enough for Milan to claim all three points against one of the most in-form teams in Europe, Inzaghi’s two goals were enough for him to claim the number one spot as the highest goal scorer in European history.

But it was not the personal records that Pippo Inzaghi set on this night for which the home crowd will remember him. It was his undeniable passion and relentless determination that, from the moment he took the field, had already helped change the complexion of the game.

Down one goal to nil, Max Allegri has to be applauded for making the bold decision before the hour to pull off the completely ineffective Ronaldinho and replace him with Milan’s legendary No. 9. It proved a masterstroke of a substitution.

For Milan, it was not just Inzaghi that displayed the kind of character that used to typify Milan performances. Gennaro Gattuso was the other veteran who played with fire in his belly.

At times, it was almost as if the Rino of old had appeared from nowhere, as he hustled, tackled and won back possession time after time. It was a performance distinguished by intent and hunger. Where this all came from remains unknown, but perhaps Max Allegri can be given more credit here—since his arrival, Gattuso’s form has been steadily improving.

Unfortunately for Milan, the attacking trio of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Ronaldinho failed to display the same kind of passion exhibited by Milan’s old guard.

Ronaldinho in particular was completely useless. It is not only his poor performance that is hard to accept. It is his complete lack of commitment. If the likes of Inzaghi and Gattuso can still put in such gritty displays, given their respective ages and career successes, there can be no excuses for the Brazilian.

Ibrahimovic, despite setting Inzaghi up for Milan’s first goal, was also largely ineffective. The Swede is in the prime of his career, or at least should be. He possesses bundles of talent. Yet he seems happy to just stroll around the pitch rather than getting involved. If he wants to just waltz around the forward line, he will have to be more clinical if he wants to avoid criticism.

Despite the heroic performances of Gattuso and Inzaghi, along with the stellar displays of Thiago Silva, Ignazio Abate and Kevin Prince, it has to be said that Milan were awful in the first half. Mourinho’s side completely dominated in terms of possession and attempts on goal, and the Rossoneri were lucky to only be a goal down at the break.

Greeted by a huge roar from the home crowd, Milan really only began to assert themselves after the introduction of Inzaghi just before the hour. It really was at this point that the complexion of the game changed.

In the end it may not have been the three points Milan needed. It was, however, a display that will give much hope to the Rossoneri faithful as Milan’s veterans showed that in spite of their age, they still can deliver inspired performances, even if they can only muster a draw.

If Milan’s "star" players could only take note and learn that football is a team game, then perhaps things may change for the better for Milan this season.

To finish on a positive, credit must be given to Allegri. It was his most convincing performance as manager to date, as he showed courage and tactical astuteness in the changes that he readily made. To do this in what was easily the biggest match of his short career augurs well for Milan.