Stopping Kaka will be key

Things are looking up for Milan. Six games without a loss, with in touching distance of Inter and qualification for the knockout stages seemingly just around the corner. It seems that there may be life without Kaka afterall.

A fortnight ago and things were very different. Milan had just beaten Roma by two goals to one in what was their first win following a terrible run of results. Then when Milan travelled to Madrid, virtually by everyone were they written off. And justifiably so. Up and until then, Leo’s side had failed to deliver. Their form and results left much to be desired. The clash against a rejuvenated Los Merengues had many fans extremely nervous, myself included, for based on form it was hard to see Milan achieving a positive result in the Bernabeu. But achieve a positive result they did, in fact it was an absolutely marvelous one at that. Though the side may have taken an hour before clicking into gear it was well worth the wait. Three goals in half an hour brought victory to Milan after having trailed Real for the best part of the match. It was an amazing turnaround that was started by the brilliance of Andrea Pirlo’s wonder goal and finished off by a superb brace from our young Brazilian star Pato.

Since then our team has not looked back. Wins against Chievo and Parma and that unfortunate draw against Napoli have propelled Milan back into the top four, only six points behind leaders Inter. More importantly however is that team is playing with a new found confidence and the system post-Kaka employed by Leo seems to be working to good affect.

Alessandro Nesta returns to be our rock in defence. His return is crucial for he has arguably been our best and by far our most consistent player this season. He really has returned to his best this season proving himself to be one of the best, if not the best, defender in the world. Alongside Thiago Milan can keep the Real forwards at bay though I expect Higuain to provide a much more sterner test for our back four then did Benzema in the first leg.

The Return of Kaka

As in Madrid, it will be crucial for Milan to stop Kaka. It will be a big occasion for our former star. With Ronaldo out injured and with Real needing a win, Kaka will be expected to deliver the goods for Los Blancos in his former home, the San Siro. With the expectation coupled with the emotions that his return to Milan will surely evoke, it will be very interesting to see how Kaka responds. The task of keep our former ace quiet will likely be handed to Ambrosini who was rested on the weekend.

We have every reason to believe that another win against Los Blancos is possible. Following their loss against Milan, Pellegrini’s side have not been in great form and rather comically lost to Second division side Alcorcon by four goals to nil. Confidence must be low in the side and there is much talk surrounding Pellegini’s future at the club. Given Real’s current problems, it is a great opportunity for Milan to capitalise and defeat Real again at the San Siro.

Team News

Alessandro Nesta returns whilst Antonini is expected to be fit however will probably start from the bench.

Expected Lineup

(4-3-3): Dida; Oddo, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Pato, Borriello, Ronaldinho

Prediction

Our side’s newfound confidence together with their psychological advantage gained at the Bernabeu and with the support of the home crown provides Milan with the perfect position to win and inch closer to qualification for the knockout round. So lets do it again.

Milan 3 Real 1