Fonseca: ‘Musah can give Rafael Leao more freedom’ in Real Madrid-Milan | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca confirms Yunus Musah is playing to strengthen Milan down the right flank against a ‘very attacking’ Real Madrid, but that can also give Rafael Leao ‘more freedom’ to do damage.

It kicks off at the Estadio Bernabeu at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Lille-Juventus and Bologna-Monaco on the Liveblog.

After he was dropped to the bench for three consecutive Serie A games, Rafael Leao is brought back into the fold.

The other big change is Yunus Musah on the right flank acting to help cover the side that will be attacked by Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, protecting right-back Emerson Royal.

Fonseca outlines Milan plan against Real Madrid

epa11305287 Juventus Manuel Locatelli and Milan’s Yunus Musah in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 27 April 2024. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco

“We prepared something with Musah to help us out there, at times having a five-man line will help Emerson deal with Vinicius and Mbappe,” Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have problems in defence and Milan can hurt them on the left.

“I think Rafa and Theo can make the difference. If we defend like that, we can also give Rafa more freedom to attack. It is a difficult match, but also a good one for us to play well, try to control the ball.”

Rodrygo is not fully fit after a hamstring issue, so Bellingham is in a more advanced role and Luka Modric has stepped into the Real Madrid midfield.

“I expect Real Madrid to be very attacking, naturally. With the introduction of Modric they will have more attacking moments. We know Mbappe and Vinicius are fundamental for their individuality, we prepared for that, but on home turf they will naturally be more attacking,” noted Fonseca.

There are at least 3,800 Milan supporters in the stands, although it is reported that figure could be as high as 5,000. What did the coach tell the squad to motivate them at the Bernabeu?

“What I told the players is that we are fortunate to have these moments in our lives. Millions of people wanted to be in this locker room, so they must make the most of it. We are facing a great team, perhaps the best in the world right now, so we must be vigorous in defence, but also prove ourselves at this level,” concluded Fonseca.

The Rossoneri long battled against the Merengues for silverware over the decades, but are without a victory in Madrid since 2009.

Both teams have been stuttering in recent weeks, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side were humiliated 4-0 on home turf in LaLiga by ultimate rivals Barcelona, but they are unbeaten in their last 15 UEFA home games, winning 12.