Kaka was superb in the first half

In the end it was a draw and a result that was probably fair for both sides. For sure Real had numerous more attempts on goal but most of these were long range efforts that barely troubled the somewhat sporadic Dida. And, for sure Real dominated possession especially in the first half yet for all their possession they were unable to translate it into goals. For this they did not deserve to win. But, likewise, I do not feel Milan really did enough either to claim victory, despite that ludicrous decision to disallow Pato’s goal.

Why was Pato’s goal disallowed? There seemed no good reason. There was no offside called, no foul and very suspiciously the incident was not even reported on the UEFA Match Report which suggests that maybe they do not even know. Considering there was no offside I think it is safe to conclude that the goal was disallowed for a foul committed by Pato, a foul that was completely non-existent. With that goal, Real perhaps would not have even gone home with a point.

Now, that that is off my chest, let us take a look at the match. Compared to his performance in Madrid two weeks ago, Ronaldinho’s performance against Los Blancos this morning was much better and another sign that he is improving, if ever so slightly. He may not be able to dribble past players like he used to but Ronnie’s vision and passing is second to none. His contribution tonight was stellar. His goal from the penalty spot was absolutely world class and in another positive sign he even tracked back at times and put in some good defensive tackles. Interesting to note that when doing so, it was mainly to pick the ball off Kaka.

The player that really impressed me though was our new captain Massimo Ambrosini. His workrate in the middle of the park was tireless and against opposition like Alonso and Lass, Ambrosini did extremely well to mark his presence in the middle of the park. Well done il Capitano.

Alongside Ronaldinho and Ambrosini as Milan’s better performances on the evening was of course Pato. Pato was an absolute live-wire in the first half. He always looked dangerous even when his back was to the goal and he made it a horrid night for his man marker in Arbeloa. It was a disappointment for him not to get on the score sheet but for this he is really not to blame.

Alongside Pato up front, Borriello failed to impress. He was a peripheral figure and showed that in big matches he does not quite cut it. Replacing him with Inzaghi was a good decision but I feel it should have occurred earlier.

The backline did their job satisfactorily, with Nesta and Thiago continuing their development into one of the better central defensive pairs around. Massimo Oddo had a tough evening and really struggled to contain the likes of Kaka and Benzema and failed to offer any attacking options throughout the match. But his opposite number, Zambrotta, put in a strong performance. He showed some of the Zambro of old with some marauding runs down the flank with one in particular leading to that all important equaliser.

It is interesting to note the change in Pellegini’s tactics tonight. Marcelo, who was completely out done by Pato in Madrid, was pushed forward with Arbeloa coming in to play at left back with solely the duty to stop Pato. In this he struggled and was lucky to remain on the pitch as he resorted to bullying tactics and countless fouls off the ball. On another day he may have seen red.

But credit to Pellegrini. His change of tactics did make it harder for our forwards and also our full backs by deploying wide attacking players that made sure Zambrotta and Oddo had their hands full.

I am not too disappointed with a draw and following our two displays against Real I have full confidence that we will qualify. Importantly, we have the advantage over Real as a result of our head to head which will put us in good stead should things get tight at the end as they appear they might.

The night at the San Siro had a pleasant conclusion as the Milan faithful showed their appreciation to our former King, Kaka, with a standing ovation. His performance in the first half brought memories back of what he used to do for our club and fittingly the fans gave their respects as the Return of our King came to an end.