In years gone by, this would have been a mismatch on the part of the Rossoneri but now the tide has turned. Atletico Madrid now boast one of the best teams in Europe and want to go all out this term. For AC MILAN, a change in management has seen the arrival of the Legendary four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf who hung up his playing boots When the chance to manage the club he served for ten years as a player, came along. The x-Real Madrid and Ajax midfield magician took over from the under-performing Max Allegri after the disappointing loss at Sassuolo. In effect, the teenage marksman, Domenico Berardi sacked Allegri with his four beautifully taken goals.. The best outing of his young career to date.
The Dutchman has come in and steadied the ship since his arrival. The likes of Keisuke Honda, Michael Essien and Adel Taarabt have been brought in from London to support the squad. Apart from the 3-1 spanking in Naples, Milan have grinded out some very important results since SEEDORF came on board. The Atletico double header has come too soon for a team trying to get back to its form of old. The joint Spanish League Leaders may be too strong for Milan.
Diego Simeone had a torrid time last week. Beaten by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Almeira downed them and Real came to the Calderon to complete the demolition job and throw his team out of the Copa Del Rey, denting their treble ambition. It is showtime in the Champions League and they are willing to come to party this time with their dancing shoes and a hungry stomach. The acquisition of Diego Ribas has added the much needed boost and El Cholo gave his seal of approval it was immediately obvious that the Brazilian playmaker was available to return to the Calderon. They returned to winning ways on Saturday, putting basement club, Valladolid to the sword. The 3-0 bashing temporarily sent them to the top of the table outright until Barca and Real Madrid scored comfortable victories afterwards. The Argentina Legend has played with and against Seedorf. He knows a thing or two about him.
AC MILAN XI
Abbiati, De Sciglio, Rami, Mexes, Emmanuelson, De Jong, Essien, Taarabt/Poli, Kaka, Balotelli, Pazzini
ATLETICO MADRID
Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miramda, Insua, Gabi, Diego Ribas, Koke, Arda, DIEGO COSTA,Villa
As if having a disastrous season isn't hard enough, Milan face Los Rojiblancos tonight with a very depleted side. The likes of Montolivo and Muntari are suspended, while Robinho, Walter Birsa, Bryan Crisante and Stephan El Shaarawy are all out injured. Defence stalwart, Christian Zapata is a doubt for this encounter. Ricardo Kaka has to play through the pain barrier tonight. That is a welcome development for the entire squad and coaching crew as he is used to the big occasion. The 07 Ballon D'or is not the same player who once took the globe by storm but he can contribute a whole lot. As they say, class is permanent. Mario Balotelli scored a contender for goal of the season to see off Bologna in the last Serie A match. It is fair to say he is the main threat for the red and black. The imports from England-Adel and Essien will start tonight because Milan are short of options in midfield and attack. Japanese playmaker, Keisuke Honda is cup tied.
Atleitco have injury problems of their own. Although they have a small squad, there are still some very immensely gifted footballers to call upon, despite the absences of Felipe Luis and Tiago. Diego Costa, David Villa, Arda Turan and Diego Ribas will be given the responsibility of finishing off the 7-time European champions. On paper, Los Colchoneros should easily see off the worst Milan side in ages but Football is not mathematics.
Clarence Seedorf won the competition four times with three different teams. The Senator as he is fondly called, makes his managerial debut tonight in a tournament he has been so successful in. His opponent tonight is also a rookie in the Competition as a manager. EL CHOLO Simeone is a football Legend and knows a few things about Clarence on the pitch. Off it, he has won many laurels as a manager in South America and Europe and took Atletico from the doldrums of despair to the pinnacle.of glory. Now, they intend to build on the work he has done. Beating Milan over the two legs will make a real statement.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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