Group C Kick-off 19-45 (BST)
Milan and Real Madrid resume their double header at San Siro on Tuesday with the Spanish side out to avenge their 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 3.
Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is looking for his players to restore “the balance” against a Milan team who have hit form since that morale-boosting success.
The Rossoneri, meanwhile, suffered their own setback at home to FC Zurich on Matchday 2, and Kaka’s return to Milan could provide a true test of Leonardo’s Group C leaders.
“It’s a positive moment for Milan, but games like these are always unpredictable,” said Leonardo. “We have had good results recently, and the atmosphere surrounding this game against Real Madrid is special. It’s always the right moment to play a game like this.
“I don’t think they will change their starting XI or their tactics particularly. Every team has their way of playing and it is not possible to change it too much, so I think this match will be like the first one in Madrid.
“As for Kaka, I have spoken to him and we discussed a lot of things, but not Tuesday’s game. I know he still cares about Milan and looks out for our results.’
Madrid coach, Manuel Pellegrini, who is under pressure following a poor run of form in recent weeks, has yet to decide on his starting line-up
“I haven’t fielded the same starting XI all season, but I don’t know what I will do here. I will decide before the game. It is a very important match for both teams’ future in the competition.
“We need to play well from the off and then we’ll see if things go as planned. Both clubs want to win the group, but we must remember we have another two games to play. We lost our balance in Madrid and Milan took advantage. We saw once again that they have strong and experienced players. But we will try to get the points here, without losing our balance.
“Kaka needs a little time to get used to a new league, as happens with any player who moves to a new country. Yet even if he hasn’t played as well as he did in Milan, he has still been important for us.”
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