An Antonio Di Natale goal at the Fruili ensured that AC MILAN left Udinese empty handed. The evergreen Zebrette legend scored his 184th Serie A to tie Gabriel 'Batigol' Batistuta's haul. This new development has cast doubts over Clarence Seedorf's ability to recapture the spark the Milan of old had. A Rossoneri he was an integral part of. Since assuming the hot seat at Milan, the 'Senator' has had a mixed start to his career with Milan taking 13 points out of a possible 24 in the League, dumped out of the Coppa Italia and take a 1-0 deficit to the Vicente Calderon tonight.
Atletico Madrid haven't found it easy too. The once treble chasing Madrid based side have capitulated under pressure since posting jaw dropping results at the beginning of the season. Diego Simeone's men are second in La Liga, haven bossed it for so long. They have also been dumped out of the Cup by arch-rivals, Real Madrid but have the advantage coming into tonight's encounter. Even without Diego Costa, los Colchoneros still found a way to defeat Celta Vigo last weekend, thanks to David Villa'a quick fire brace. With Barcelona losing to lowly Valladolid, the Rojiblancos are 2nd in La Liga-three points behind leaders, Real Madrid.
Diego Costa is ready to return to the starting eleven after sitting out the Celta game. His partnership with 'El Guaje' Villa has been very productive.
AC Milan have nothing to lose tonight at the Calderon. Atletico are still mourning the loss of the great LUIS ARAGONES, but they know victory tonight will move them a step closer to history. The Italian outfit have the likes of Mario Balotelli and Ricky Kaka to call upon but it has been an appalling season by all standards. A good performance later today can assuage the fans' fears.
PROBABLE LINEUP
ATLETICO MADRID-
Thibo Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Villa, Costa, Arda
MILAN-
Abbiati, Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio, NDJ, Taarabt, Essien, Kaka, Barwuah, Pazzini
It should be a straight forward win for Atletico but this is European football. When Deportivo ran rings around the AC MILAN team that had so bamboozled them at the Meazza, the result was a 4-0 pummeling at the Riazor and that was just 9 years ago. Diego Simeone will not write off a wounded Milan side. Despite their fall from grace, they still have in their arsenal, some of the Globe's finest weapons. On a day when the greats of of the past converge, something never experienced before can take place.
Milan have some veterans in their side. Kaka, Essien, Mexes and Abbiati have chalked up many appearances in European competition(s). That could count in their favour. For Simeone, he knows that the 7-time European Champions are there for the taking. One of those splendid displays and it is game over. Diego Ribas has gone in and out of form since his return to the Calderon. The Brazilian hasn't performed well so far. He has to up his game if he desires to be a mainstay in the ambitious Madrid club.
Ohireime P Eboreime
Twitter-@ohiskaka1990
No comments:
Post a Comment