Musah: “It was a historic night, we had to act as a unit – we did it and that is why we won, Leão is very happy” | OneFootball

Yunus Musah and Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid-Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on November 5, 2024. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Yunus Musah believes the win over Real Madrid away from home will give Milan more confidence, but doesn’t see himself always as a wingback.

Musah was a surprise in the starting XI of Milan against Real Madrid last night but the American had a brilliant match, helping in attack but especially contributing in defense in the challenges against arguably the best winger in the world – Vinícius Júnior.

Malick Thiaw (12′), Vinícius Júnior (23′ pk), Álvaro Morata (39′) and Tijjani Reijnders (73′) scored the goals at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu as Milan got a huge shock win over Los Blancos.

“We really deserve it. Winning here against the European Champions was amazing. A lot of teams can’t do it here, we did it and it will give us a lot of confidence,” Musah told MilanTV.

What did you think of your performance?“It was really tough. Sometimes I wanted to get forward but I was focused on defending. I had to go up and down the pitch. It was hard work but the effort paid off and we got the win. It’s what we wanted.”

What did you think of the team?“It was important to defend as a team today. Compact, organized. Real Madrid are so strong in attack so we had to act as a unit. We did that and that’s why we won.”

How important was it to win?“Not many teams come here and win. Even when we were winning 3-1 you think that they’ve come from behind to win so many games. We did really well. It’ll definitely give us a lot of confidence going forward.”

Yunus Musah during Real Madrid-Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on November 5, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Speaking in the mixed-zone, Yunus said: “It was a historic night. A Champions League win at the Santiago Bernabéu… When you’re a kid, you watch so many Real Madrid games; you can’t believe you’ve won the game until the end. A historic night, we did very well, and we’re thrilled.”

What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room?“Here, until the referee blows the final whistle, it’s never over. We were very focused right until the end. They can always come back.”

Was this a turning point match?“It was a ‘true Milan’ match; it gives us a lot of confidence. We have to keep it up—it can’t just be a one-time thing. To be a great team, you need consistency.”

It was also Leão’s night, long-awaited…“Rafa is very happy. We all know what he is capable of doing, we are always with him to help him and he helps the team like he did today.”

It was a performance worthy of the MVP award…“Today, I had to double up on Vinícius with Emerson. Credit to Vinícius; he’s very skilled, so you need two players on him.”

Milan players celebrating at the end of Real Madrid-Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on November 5, 2024. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Could that position become a stable role for you?“No, we usually play in a different formation. Today, against Real Madrid, with their very fast offensive players, we had to set up like this.”

Did you see Cardinale in the locker room?“He congratulated us on the game; he’s very proud of us.”

Where did you win it today?“We did a great defensive job today, but we were also very open to asking for and passing the ball. The midfielders did very well—everyone wanted the ball. Playing in this stadium is tough, but every player wanted the ball. We played well and made a lot of good passes.”

How much did Milan need a night like this?“We usually have confidence in ourselves. But, of course, playing and winning at the Bernabeu gives you even more.”

Was this your best game with Milan?“One of my best, yes. I also really enjoyed Milan-PSG last year. On Champions League nights like these, it’s easy to get motivated and give everything on the field.”

Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yunus Musah celebrating at the end of Real Madrid-Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on November 5, 2024. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Musah also had a post-match interview with Sky Italia:

How did you experience this game considering everything that has happened in Valencia?“We must remember how fortunate we are to be able to play, to be healthy, and to have had a good game. So many people have lost their lives. Everyone there is united and loves each other deeply; I’m sure they will get through this situation.”

Your role on the pitch was atypical…“I was surprised when the coach told me I would be playing; I didn’t expect it. It was a really good match. Credit to Vinícius, who is an exceptional player, and we had to double up on him with a five-man defence, being very attentive to the depth.”

What is your favorite position?“My ideal position is box-to-box, as a number 8. But I can also play as a wingback.”