Champions League Opening Round: AC Milan's Timely Comeback, Real Madrid Rely on Ancelotti’s Steady Hand

The 2023-24 Champions League season kicked off on September 18, marking the start of a new campaign full of hope, drama, and thrilling matchups. With AC Milan and Real Madrid both set to make their mark in their respective opening games, expectations were high, though the two giants of European football found themselves in vastly different situations as the new season began.

AC Milan’s Resurgence Comes at a Crucial Moment

AC Milan entered this Champions League season under significant pressure. Early-season struggles in Serie A had left many questioning the strength and stability of Stefano Pioli’s side. Their defensive frailties had been exposed, with Milan conceding two goals in each of their first three league matches, a worrying trend for a club with a reputation for defensive solidity. Milan’s vulnerabilities were particularly jarring in the context of Serie A, where defensive organization is paramount, and even teams battling relegation rarely leak goals at such an alarming rate.

However, a crucial 4-0 victory over newly promoted Venezia in the Italian top-flight just days before their Champions League opener provided a glimmer of hope. The win was not only Milan’s first of the season but also their first clean sheet. Pioli’s men stormed into a 4-0 lead within the first 30 minutes, a rapid-fire display that allowed the manager to rest key players in preparation for the daunting European clash ahead. The swift turnaround was as surprising as it was necessary, especially considering that many of the squad had just returned from international duty. Players seamlessly shifted gears from the national stage back to club football, finding the rhythm that had been missing earlier in the campaign.

Yet, despite the confidence boost from their Serie A victory, AC Milan’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Liverpool posed a different kind of challenge. Liverpool, a team with far greater depth and tactical cohesion, was expected to exploit Milan’s recent defensive lapses, even if their own form had been patchy. The Premier League side had just suffered a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest, a game in which they dominated but ultimately failed to capitalize on numerous chances.

Luis Díaz was a standout performer for Liverpool in that match, demonstrating his explosiveness down the left flank, particularly in the opening minutes when he nearly broke the deadlock by stealing the ball from a distracted defender in the opposition’s box. His effort was narrowly denied by Nottingham’s goalkeeper, Matt Sels, who went on to produce a man-of-the-match performance, keeping out efforts from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai. Sels even had a moment of fortune when Díaz’s looping header slipped through his legs, only for the Belgian to recover and make a miraculous save on the goal line.

While Sels’ heroics defined the narrative, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson, found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The Brazilian, fresh off a series of disappointing performances for his national team, appeared out of sync with the game’s tempo. His hesitancy and poor decision-making were evident when he misjudged a long-range shot from Callum Hudson-Odoi, which resulted in the game’s only goal. Alisson’s positioning and judgment came under scrutiny, raising concerns about his current form ahead of the trip to San Siro.

For AC Milan, the key question remained: Could their newfound confidence and momentum from the Venezia victory help them close the considerable gap in quality and tactical cohesion that separated them from Liverpool? Milan’s defense, despite showing improvement in their last match, would need to find another level to contain the attacking trio of Salah, Díaz, and Szoboszlai, especially given Liverpool’s high-pressing, possession-dominant style.

Pioli’s tactical adjustments will likely focus on shoring up the defense and maintaining a disciplined shape. Milan cannot afford the defensive lapses that plagued them earlier in the season if they hope to compete with a team as dynamic as Liverpool. Even if Milan could find early joy on the counter-attack, their ability to sustain pressure for 90 minutes against an intense pressing team like Liverpool would be a massive test of their endurance and mental fortitude.

Real Madrid's Calm Under Ancelotti: The Value of Experience

Meanwhile, Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, opened their title defense in a far more stable position than AC Milan, though their path this season will be anything but easy. Despite the club's incredible roster, bolstered by the addition of Kylian Mbappé over the summer, Los Blancos face several challenges, both internal and external. The pressure to maintain their dominance in Europe is higher than ever, especially with Barcelona rapidly improving under Xavi.

Mbappé’s arrival, though a coup for Madrid, has not been without complications. His relationship with Vinícius Jr. remains a subject of intense scrutiny. Though outwardly the two seem to have settled their differences, the truth is likely more nuanced. Both players, each aspiring to fill the void left by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, see themselves as the future face of world football. Such competitive spirits naturally lead to friction, even if it’s kept under wraps.

Managing such egos is no easy task, but if anyone is capable of maintaining harmony within the squad, it’s Carlo Ancelotti. Known for his calm demeanor and unparalleled man-management skills, Ancelotti’s ability to balance personalities while keeping the team focused on their goals has become invaluable. This season, his experience and gravitas will be crucial as Real Madrid navigate a particularly tricky campaign, with Barcelona already looking sharp and the margin for error being slimmer than ever.

Madrid's first Champions League opponent, Stuttgart, presents an interesting test. Although Real Madrid and Stuttgart have never faced each other in official competition, the German side has experienced a turbulent start to their domestic season. Last season, Stuttgart impressed many with their aggressive, possession-based football in the Bundesliga, even briefly flirting with a top-four finish. However, that success came at a cost, as several of their key players were poached by wealthier clubs during the summer transfer window. The departure of striker Serhou Guirassy and center-back Waldemar Anton has left a void that Stuttgart has struggled to fill.

Early results this season have not been kind to Stuttgart. In their first two Bundesliga matches, they conceded three goals in each game, prompting their coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, to make significant tactical changes. Strengthening the defense has become a priority, and in their most recent match, Stuttgart finally secured their first victory of the season. However, their inconsistent form and lack of experience at the highest levels of European competition make them clear underdogs heading into the game against Real Madrid.

Ancelotti is likely to approach the match with his usual calm and pragmatic mindset. Real Madrid, with their superior squad depth and tactical flexibility, are expected to control the game from the outset, using their possession-based approach to dictate the tempo and patiently break down Stuttgart’s defense. Mbappé and Vinícius will undoubtedly be key players in this strategy, as their pace and creativity can stretch Stuttgart’s backline and create space for others, like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, to exploit.

However, the game will not be without its challenges for Madrid. Stuttgart, knowing that they are outmatched in terms of talent, will likely take a conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counterattacking when opportunities arise. If Real Madrid fail to capitalize on their early chances, Stuttgart could grow into the game, potentially creating a tense, low-scoring affair where one mistake could prove decisive.

Real Madrid will look to avoid such a scenario, aiming to exert their authority early and maintain control throughout. If Ancelotti’s team plays to their potential, their "one-tenth effort" could be enough to secure a comfortable win and start their Champions League campaign on the right foot. Nonetheless, the pressure is on, as even the slightest slip-up could open the door for Stuttgart to exploit and force an upset.

Ultimately, the Champions League’s opening round will serve as an important litmus test for both AC Milan and Real Madrid. Milan, riding a wave of renewed confidence, face the monumental task of overcoming a superior Liverpool side, while Real Madrid, despite their undeniable quality, must navigate a season filled with high expectations and internal challenges. How these two storied clubs perform will not only shape their European campaigns but also signal their intentions for the season ahead.