Much depends on which Brazilian will shine

Milan take on Real Madrid in just over 16 hours in what will be a very special encounter. Real Madrid may be the most successful European club of all time having won this competition a record nine times, but Milan have been the most successful European club of the modern era having claimed five European cup titles since 1989. Milan have also won the competition twice since Real Madrid’s last European victory in 2002.

But for all Milan’s modern successes, Real Madrid go into this encounter as clear favourites. For Milan this season are a shadow of their former selves. A lack of talent and youth injection into our aging squad have rendered our team to a number of sub-par performances this season. As for Real Madrid, they are a resurgent power this season. With the acquisition of a number of key players signed in the summer, Real Madrid are looking to greatly improve on their poor European displays of the last few seasons. Our former golden boy, Kaka, is part of this Real resurgence and to see him on the opposite side will make this encounter special if not painful at times.

A difficult season it may have been for Milan so far, yet following the victory against Roma I am optimistic that we can get something out of this game. The team will have been boosted by that performance where they were able to claim victory despite going down a goal in the first half. Pato will have regained much confidence after he got the winner, whilst Ronaldinho showed some of his magic of old by claiming the equaliser and setting up the winner with an audacious through ball.

Indeed, much will depend on Ronaldinho in this match. If Milan are to succeed to any extent in this years Champions League it can only be if Ronaldinho performs. The Brazilian has showed signs of an improving attitude and against Roma, signs that his form is also improving. I am hopeful that he can put in a strong performance again and prove his doubters, I for one, wrong again.

In good news, Real Madrid will be without Ronaldo, their star protaganist this season so far. This leaves Kaka as their main attacking threat yet this Milan side will know a thing or two about how to stop Kaka. If Kaka can be dealt with and with no Ronaldo, then the attacking force of Real will be compromised. For sure Higuain and Raul will pose serious threats up front but with Nesta and Thiago in the centre of defence I am confident that we can handle them.

The decisive battle will be in the middle of the park. Of course marking Kaka out of the game will be key and in Flamini Milan perhaps just have the man to do it. Purely for this reason expect Flamini to start. But Xabi Alonso, with his range of passing, keeps Real ticking. Defensively he is sound whilst he also can create and score just as well. Milan cannot afford to give Xabi any space and if do this then Real will struggle to play their fluent passing game.

My major concern is the weakness of our full backs. Real will most definitely look to take advantage of this however, if our midfield can dominate and cut of the supply to the wings, then this will relieve much of the pressure on our full backs.

Team news

Oguchi Onyewu, Davide Di Gennaro and Daniele Bonera are all out with long-term injuries whilst Marco Storari is out with a muscular problem. Gennaro Gattuso will not play any part due to a knee injury but Marco Borriello returns from injury and is included in the squad.

Expected lineup

(4-4-2) Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Abate, Pirlo, Flamini, Seedorf; Pato, Ronaldinho.

acmilanblog.net prediction

This will be an intriguing and emotional encounter for Milan fans as Kaka lines up on the opposite side. But, the story of Kaka will have to be put aside as Milan need to focus on getting a positive result. Following the loss against Zurich, Milan need to get points against Real in these back to back ties as their Champions League hopes hang in the balance. If Ronaldo was playing I would be less optimistic but with him out injured, Milan can get a draw if not claim an surprising victory.

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