Paulo Fonseca Has Discovered a Knack of Delivering Famous Milan Victories… Now To Find Consistency

You had to check the calendar to make sure you weren’t stuck in a time warp watching AC Milan as they sliced through Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

Their 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu was more reminiscent of their glory days in the 1990s and 2000s, when they dominated the Champions League, landing the trophy time and again as they conquered giants from across the continent.

Even Rafael Leao appeared a vision of his former self. The confident, direct winger that had helped guide the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2022 re-emerged, his role in the decisive third goal a reminder of the threat he possesses.

His cutback for Tijjani Reijnders delivered the type of moment Milan fans of a certain vintage have become accustomed to. A big goal, in a big stadium, taking down one of Europe’s elite. In truth, there hasn’t been too many of them of late.

Paulo Fonseca is changing that. It’s the second memorable win of the season so far – the kind that may have made it to VHS in a bygone era. There will have been discussions among supporters as to whether it shaded the thrilling last-minute victory over rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina in September.

However, while moments to savour haven’t been in short supply, consistency has. It is an issue that has blighted Fonseca’s time in charge.

This match was preceded by speculation around his role. A disappointing defeat at home to Napoli was followed up by an unconvincing win in Monza which did little to quell suggestions that the Portuguese is under the microscope.

It’s a situation that makes Tuesday’s performance even more of a head scratcher. When this team clicks they can take on – and beat – the very best in Europe.

Leao, back in the squad after being intermittently left on the bench, took his chance on the big stage. He has been forced to accept a supporting role under Fonseca, with the forward starting just six of their 10 Serie A matches this season.

Europe has been his battleground, starting the defeats by Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. His substitution on the hour mark was met with jeers by Milan supporters against Club Bruges. Finally, on Tuesday, he delivered a performance befitting the regard in which he’s held.

It was his stinging effort that Andriy Lunin spilled into the path of Alvaro Morata for Milan’s second. The Ukrainian keeper also denied the Portugal star with a stunning one-handed save to keep out a header, but could do nothing to deny him an assist for Reijnders.

At the other end, Mike Maignan delivered an inspired display, keeping out Kylian Mbappe time and again. He saved his best for last, producing a brilliant stop from substitute Brahim Diaz as Real looked to claw their way back into the game.  

It was the type of result – and performance – that will engender confidence. Confidence that must be taken into their domestic fixtures. Cagliari is next before a huge clash with a currently-unbeaten Juventus at San Siro. 

Stumble in either fixture, and it’s back to square one for Fonseca and his Bernabeu heroes.