The AC Milan of Arrigo Sacchi will always be remembered as one of the most feared and respected teams in the history of European Football. With a solid defense and innovative tactics for its time, the Italian side became the nemesis of one of the most dominant teams, Real Madrid, known as the ‘Quinta del Buitre’. Their rivalry, forged in the European Cup – now the UEFA Champions League – solidified the unique legend of AC Milan in the late 1980s.
During that era, Italy decided to revolutionize the game. Several teams adopted an advanced defensive line that compressed space and put their opponents in trouble. Led by the charismatic Franco Baresi and the elegant Paolo Maldini in defense, supported by the dream Dutch trio of Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, and Marco van Basten, the “Rossoneri” clinched two consecutive European Cup titles in 1989 and 1990. But that was not all. This AC Milan was a nightmare for the Madridistas, who struggled to overcome their pressing and defensive tactics that neutralized their attacks with pinpoint precision.
One of the most iconic moments of this rivalry occurred in the 1988-89 season, specifically during the semifinals of the European Cup. In the first leg, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid CF and AC Milan drew 1-1, with goals from Hugo Sánchez and Marco Van Basten. Madrid striker Emilio Butragueño described the Milan side as a “wonderful team,” acknowledging the quality and strength of the Italians while worrying about the worst for the return leg. Indeed, it happened. At San Siro, the Italians crushed Real Madrid with a humiliating 5-0 victory. Carlo Ancelotti, now the coach of the Merengues, opened the scoring in that historic encounter with a powerful shot from outside the box that surprised Paco Buyo, the then-Madrid goalkeeper.
AC Milan, UEFA Champions League champions in 1989 | EFE
The Milan players practiced their defensive movements daily using a rope to maintain synchronization and provoke opponents to fall into offside positions, a theory that seems to be gaining popularity again, reigniting debates about the Madrid side, especially after their recent match against FC Barcelona. This innovative tactic earned AC Milan universal respect and turned their training center, Milanello, into a must-visit destination for rival coaches seeking to decipher Sacchi’s secrets.
The superb dominance of Sacchi’s AC Milan in Europe
Additionally, that defeat marked the largest loss the ‘Kings of Europe’ have ever suffered in their favorite competition. However, Real Madrid was not the only victim in this equation. Sacchi’s AC Milan also managed to defeat Johan Cruyff’s FC Barcelona in the continental final of 1994, lighting up the scoreboard with a resounding 4-0 that exposed the limitations of the Catalan ‘Dream Team’. This victory would go down in history not only for the final score and the repercussions it triggered but also for forcing Catalan fans to put away their Rossoneri shirts worn throughout those years.
However, time and mutual respect eventually forged a friendly relationship between the two clubs that have lifted the most ‘Orejonas’. In 1999, to celebrate AC Milan’s centenary, Real Madrid was invited to San Siro, where they achieved a hard-fought victory of 5-1. This symbolic match, with little backstory, solidified peace between both fanbases. The rivalry has remained alive since then, but in this century, encounters have been limited to the group stages of the Champions League, where in the last six matchups, both clubs have recorded two victories and two draws. Maximum equality until now.
Arrigo Sacchi, the great revolutionary of Italian football | EFE
The last clash occurred in the 2010-11 season, ending in a draw in Italy (2-2) with a goal from Pedro León securing passage to the knockout stage and celebrating the previous white victory at the Bernabéu (2-0). Nothing compared to the grand encounters of the past.
Real Madrid CF vs AC Milan: the ‘Kings of Europe’
This Tuesday, history will repeat itself. Real Madrid CF will face AC Milan, remembering their rich history, at the Santiago Bernabéu in a new edition of the Champions League. It won’t be the same as before, but it’s set to be a special night in Madrid. Arrigo Sacchi, who knows both teams well, took the occasion to praise Carlo Ancelotti, his former player in that squad that turned the Art of football into science. In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi expressed his admiration for the other Italian coach, describing him as “an intelligent and humble man.” He was not mistaken.
Moreover, Sacchi recalled how, when Ancelotti arrived at AC Milan, Silvio Berlusconi asked him if he should sign Ancelotti, who had knee problems. “I told him that with him, we would win the championship,” Sacchi stated, confident in Ancelotti’s quality and commitment. “And I was completely right,” said the two-time European champion.
The connection between AC Milan and Real Madrid CF in the Champions League has left a profound mark on football history. Both teams, holding fifteen and seven European titles respectively, represent one of the most illustrious rivalries in European football, with squads filled with success across different sporting eras. Both clubs have breathed life into one of the most exciting stories in sport; a flame that continues to burn every time they meet on the pitch and the continental anthem rings out. Inevitable that the hairs stand on end.
Real Madrid Milan Football Champions League UEFA
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