Fonseca confirms Leao will start against Real Madrid after three consecutive snubs | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has confirmed that Rafael Leao will play as a starter against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night after the Portugal international was dropped to the bench for all three of the Rossoneri’s most recent Serie A matches.

Milan will play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening in the fourth round of 2024-25 Champions League fixtures.

AC Milan’s forward Rafael Leao reacts on the bench ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Udinese at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 19 Ocrober 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Fonseca confirms Leao return for Milan

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday evening, Fonseca confirmed that Leao will start after being left out of the line-up for the 1-0 win over Udinese, the 2-0 loss to Napoli and the 1-0 win against Monza on Saturday.

“He will start tomorrow. We expect him to be able to do what he usually can,” Fonseca confirmed in his press conference, reported via TMW.

Fonseca went on to insist that he has no issue with Leao becoming a talking point in press conferences, explaining that it is ‘normal’ for people to be concerned about one of the team’s most important players.

“I know what is important for me and for the team. It’s normal that you talk about these situations, but I have to follow my own beliefs,” the coach added.

Leao has contributed to five goals from his nine appearances in Serie A this term, made up of one goal and four assists. He is still waiting for his first goal involvement in the Champions League this term.