Morata: ‘Milan have huge history too, Rafael Leao born for this night’ | OneFootball

Alvaro Morata urges Milan to play ‘with character’ and representing their ‘history’ against Real Madrid in the Champions League. ‘Rafael Leao was born for this type of match.’

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.

This is a return to base for the Spain international, who played for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid before this summer’s move to San Siro.

A minute’s silence will be held before every match for the victims of the devastating floods in Valencia and Morata wanted to send a message in his pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia.

“Football is the least important thing right now. I know people who are there, I send hugs to everyone who is suffering with this situation, but I am also proud as a Spaniard to see how we as a country and as people are reacting. We are trying to help from a distance too, hopefully Spain can play a charity match soon in Valencia and help the situation.”

Morata remembers Real Madrid vs. Milan history

MONZA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Real Madrid represent a huge test for a Milan side who have not won here since 2009 and have slipped somewhat down the levels of European pedigree in recent years.

“We need to play with character, knowing that we are Milan and we too have a huge history behind us, a great responsibility,” continued Morata.

“We can win or lose, but the performance is what we need and to remember we are a club who beat big teams. We need it for us more than anything else, to recognise the great potential that we have.”

Rafael Leao was dropped for the last three Serie A games, but returns to the starting XI at the Bernabeu. Can this be his opportunity to truly make his mark and show what he can do?

“He doesn’t need consecration, he is already a player on another level. He was born for this type of match, this type of night, and I hope it is the first of many big nights for him on this stage,” assured Morata.