In a match pitting two GI-normous clubs against each other – a match up that you could expect to see in a Champs League final – Real Madrid Hosted AC Milan at the Bernabeu.

Both teams seemed tentative going into this match and if you were to take the game as a whole Real had the bulk of the possession and chances by a slight margin. The play-level of the game didn’t really match the hype.

I honestly haven’t seen such a big game with such major keeper blunders (from both sides) in the longest time – granted, it was a greasy pitch…But these are world-class keepers we’re talking about. First, there was Dida’s 1st half spillage where the ball slipped from between his hands and thighs after he had done the harder work of taking the sting out of Kaká’s shot. Raúl, being the opportunist that he is made it 1-0 Real (perhaps the soccer gods were just evening the score after a clear penalty went uncalled when Zambrotta took out Benzema in the box; it was a pretty big blunder to say the least). Second, there was Casilla’s 2nd half mistakes, which turned the game completely around. Pirlo, with as much time and space as a Stephen Hawking novel, hits a surprise 35 yard-er catching Casillas, the announcers, and the viewers off guard. Milan then took the lead with Casillas out in no-mans-land to clear an Ambrosini through ball only to see Pato to capitalize off the Real keeper’s mistake.

Drenthe tried to rally Los Merengues with an equalizer but Milan’s persistence led them to victory. A Milan corner resulting in an obvious goal was called back by the Belgian referee who claimed Milan defender, Thiaginho, had committed a foul (against whom?…it’s still a mystery to me). In these last 20 minutes, seemingly dormant players came alive: Ronaldinho actually produced some chances; Pato (I love this kid, but not in a Biggy loves Dempsey way…more of a like-like way) with his amazing quickness on the ball scored the game winner.

Pato created the opportunity with his silky turn past Drenthe, the ball spills out to Seedorf who hits a beauty of a floater across to the wide-open Pato. I seriously saw this floater coming across and it felt like time slowed down. I saw the ball there for at least a whole 5 seconds as I sat in the pub contemplating the numerous outcomes of Pato’s finish…and I can say that the end result was a lot cooler that I had imagined it… (Somewhat reminiscent of Simão’s goal against Hungary earlier this month) a full volley open foot just between Dida and the near post.

If I can pull anything from the game that hasn’t been said a million times there’s this:

Kaká was out there with something to prove against his old club. His performance wasn’t as good as we’ve all seen him play in the past…but he definitely made up for his lack of opportunities by being scrappy: working hard on defense and chasing down every ball.

Pato I have to say once again, is an awesome player. He didn’t really end up showing his strengths until the second half, but when he did, he was threatening.

Ronaldinho was a ghost of a player in the first, let’s say, 70 minutes. After that the few opportunities he helped create were enough to help his side pull off the win

Pipo Inzaghi wasn’t really there at all. Then again he’s the most awkward player of the modern game. But his success lies in his impeccable, right-place-at-the-right-time style…unfortunately not seen on this day, and he was pulled out after the 65th minute.

Alonso had a fair share of long-range efforts but couldn’t put them away on this night.

Madrid players were taking way too long to release their shots and wanted to dribble into the box before thinking about shooting on various occasions. Their lack of cohesion without the Great CR7/CR9 is worrying many of the Madristas and Pellegrini as this is their second loss in a row against a top team (the other was vs. Sevilla) without the Portuguese wanna-b-model (I had to say it) striker.

Milan got exactly what they needed. A rebound-win (much like a guy gets a rebound-girl) to make themselves feel better after a tragic lost against FC Zurich in an earlier Champs league match.

Greg Amon a player on the Cal Poly Club team who is studying abroad in Madrid this semester watched this game live at the Bernabeu. Sucks for him that Pato had to ruin the party. Either way, it must have been a really sick game to watch live!