UEFA Champions League Matchday 4: Real Madrid’s Healing Process and Liverpool’s Reassurance Without Alonso

The UEFA Champions League resumed with Matchday 4, bringing fans an exciting double feature. Real Madrid faced AC Milan in a clash of European royalty, while Liverpool welcomed Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield. These matches not only showcased the rich histories of the clubs but also highlighted their current challenges and opportunities.

Real Madrid vs. AC Milan: Legacy Meets Recovery

Madrid’s Post-Clásico Recovery

Real Madrid entered this match with a cloud hanging over them after a disastrous 0-4 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico. That loss laid bare the defensive and tactical frailties of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Kylian Mbappé, usually the star performer, found himself caught offside eight times due to Barcelona’s efficient high line. Notably, half of these offsides were avoidable had he paid closer attention to the timing of his runs.

The defensive mishaps didn’t stop there. Left-back Ferland Mendy, positioned too deep, nullified Real Madrid’s attempts to play an offside trap, allowing Robert Lewandowski to score a composed goal past Andriy Lunin. This moment underscored the significant gap in quality between Lunin and the injured Thibaut Courtois.

After conceding, Real Madrid’s attempts to equalize became frantic and uncoordinated. Barcelona took advantage, executing quick counterattacks that exposed Madrid’s high defensive line. The final whistle marked an embarrassing defeat for Los Blancos, raising concerns about their readiness for high-stakes games.

Milan’s Fragile Consistency

On the other side, AC Milan’s trajectory has been equally turbulent. Despite securing a crucial home win against Club Brugge in their last Champions League outing, their inconsistent domestic form remains a concern. Last weekend’s narrow victory over Monza did little to appease fans who expect more from Stefano Pioli’s squad.

With matches against Real Madrid and Girona still to come, Milan’s path to the knockout stages looks anything but straightforward. Their hopes rest on a disciplined defensive setup and moments of brilliance from their forwards.

Ancelotti’s Return to Familiar Ground

Carlo Ancelotti’s ties to AC Milan run deep, making this encounter as emotional as it is tactical. The Italian manager, revered for his tenure at the Rossoneri, returned to the San Siro with a Madrid team still licking its wounds from El Clásico. However, the postponement of Madrid’s weekend La Liga fixture due to inclement weather gave the team additional preparation time—a luxury they needed to regroup and reset.

Real Madrid’s individual quality far surpasses Milan’s, but their cohesion and tactical execution remain in question. If Ancelotti can recalibrate his side’s defensive structure and encourage Mbappé to adapt to opposition tactics, Madrid’s firepower should prevail. Conversely, Milan’s success depends on frustrating Madrid with compact defending and exploiting counterattacking opportunities.

Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Moving On Without Alonso

Liverpool’s Stability Under Slot

Liverpool, thriving under the stewardship of new manager Arne Slot, appears to have smoothly transitioned from the Jürgen Klopp era. Slot has successfully retained the passion synonymous with Klopp’s tenure while introducing a composed and pragmatic edge to the team’s play.

In their previous Champions League outing, Liverpool drew 1-1 against RB Leipzig, a match characterized by tactical discipline and individual brilliance. Mohamed Salah, defying age-related expectations, continued to shine. His dazzling runs and precise passing from the right flank remain a defining feature of Liverpool’s attacking threat.

Domestically, Liverpool fans are less content. Despite an unbeaten Champions League record, the Reds sit behind Aston Villa in the Premier League table, a position they’re eager to rectify. However, their European performances suggest a team that is building momentum and confidence.

Leverkusen’s Waning Threat

Leverkusen entered this match as one of the nine undefeated teams in the Champions League but lacked the spark that made them Bundesliga contenders last season. Last weekend’s goalless draw against Stuttgart epitomized their struggles to break down well-organized defenses.

Their cautious 1-1 draw against Brest in the Champions League further underscored this point. While Leverkusen has been steady, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities raises doubts about their ability to compete against elite teams like Liverpool.

Alonso’s Emotional Return

Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool icon and now Leverkusen’s manager, returned to Anfield under the spotlight. Although his tenure at Leverkusen has been commendable, Alonso’s attachment to Liverpool remains strong. His strategic acumen has steadied Leverkusen’s ship, but his side lacks the attacking dynamism required to challenge Liverpool at their fortress.

Liverpool fans, who once hoped Alonso might succeed Klopp, now feel reassured by Slot’s calm leadership. Slot’s ability to maintain tactical discipline while harnessing the team’s attacking flair has been pivotal in Liverpool’s resurgence.

Contrasting Fortunes

While Real Madrid and AC Milan clash as historical heavyweights grappling with current challenges, Liverpool and Leverkusen represent a contrast in momentum and ambition. Madrid’s path to recovery hinges on Ancelotti’s adjustments and Mbappé’s adaptability, while Milan must maximize their limited resources to stay competitive.

Liverpool, with Slot at the helm, looks increasingly poised to return to the European elite. Conversely, Leverkusen’s inability to convert potential into points highlights the gap between the Bundesliga side and Europe’s best.

As Matchday 4 unfolds, these encounters encapsulate the drama, history, and unpredictability that make the Champions League a theater of dreams for fans worldwide.