Reijnders enjoying goal form, but Fofana reality check on Real Madrid-Milan | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders admits it is ‘a nice feeling’ to score goals for Milan and secure victory in Monza, but Youssouf Fofana warns they should not see facing Real Madrid in the Champions League as ‘a dream. It is a job.’

The Rossoneri came into the match struggling badly after two defeats in the previous three rounds and had a poor first half overall at the U-Power Stadium too, saved from a Dany Mota Carvalho opener by the referee spotting a soft earlier Warren Bondo foul.

Instead, Reijnders was ready to turn in the rebound when Alvaro Morata’s header was charged down and that proved enough to win the match.

The Dutch midfielder had missed the home loss to Napoli through suspension, so this was his second consecutive game on target after the brace against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

“It’s always a nice feeling and today was an important goal in a difficult match. With hard work from the team, we managed to win against a tough opponent,” Reijnders told Sky Sport Italia.

“My muscles felt good even at the end of the match, so now we have to recover and be ready for Real Madrid.”

Reijnders on fine form, Fofana has Milan focus

AC Milan’s midfielder Tijjani Rejjnders (L) celebrates scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium in Monza, Italy, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

Fofana arrived at Milan this summer and has already become a key figure in their midfield alongside Reijnders, although his work does not gain as much attention as the Netherlands international.

“It was not a good Milan, but we were a good Milan in the last game and we lost. So if we have to choose, I prefer to win and that was the most important thing this evening. We are happy with that,” Fofana told Sky Sport Italia.

The French midfielder was asked if it was a ‘dream’ to play at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but his response was not quite what the interviewer was expecting.

“It is not a dream. The dream was to become a professional, but that is done and now it is a job. OK, it’s Real Madrid and they won a lot of competitions, but we have to go there with our strengths and try to win.”