AC Milan delivered an impressive performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, defeating Real Madrid 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League and handing the Spanish giants their second group-stage defeat this season. Goals from Malick Thiaw, former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, and Tijjani Reijnders sealed the three points for Milan, while Vinicius Junior’s penalty was Madrid’s only response in an eventful night.
Real Madrid started energetically, with Kylian Mbappe narrowly missing early opportunities, but Milan’s defense held firm. The Italian side took the lead through Thiaw, who expertly headed home from a Christian Pulisic corner, finding space between Aurelien Tchouameni and Eder Militao. It marked the German defender’s first goal for Milan and set the tone for a fierce contest.
Madrid quickly responded as Vinicius drew a foul in the box from Emerson Royal, earning a penalty that he converted himself, chipping it down the middle. Despite the equalizer, Milan looked undeterred, and Morata made his presence felt just before halftime. Rafael Leao’s initial shot was saved by Andriy Lunin, but Morata pounced on the rebound, scoring against his former club for the seventh time.
In the second half, Real Madrid pressed for another equalizer, with Mbappe, Modric, and Vinicius all creating chances but unable to convert. Milan then delivered a crushing blow as Leao sliced through the Madrid defense once again, setting up Reijnders, who coolly fired a third goal past Lunin.
Despite VAR ruling out a potential goal for Madrid late on, Milan maintained control, frustrating the home side and forcing further errors. Real Madrid, who have now trailed in three consecutive matches, struggled to find their usual rhythm. In the final moments, Milan could have extended their lead as both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Brahim Diaz came close, but Lunin made key saves to limit the damage.