Alvaro Morata hopes that Milan’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid after a dominant display can help his side become ‘aware’ of their strength, although he urged them to keep their feet on the ground and not ‘set off fireworks’ for a victory in the group stage of the Champions League.
The Spanish striker scored the Rossoneri’s second of the night, restoring his side’s lead after Vinicius Junior had equalised from the penalty spot, finding his seventh net against Real Madrid in his career.
His goal came when goalkeeper Lunin failed to block a swift shot from Rafa Leao, whom Morata believes can write ‘football history’ if he plays this way ‘every game’.
Morata: Leao can write ‘football history’, Milan’s win ‘important’ for us
While Milan’s first win at the Santiago Bernabeu in 15 years will certainly go down to the club’s history, Morata insisted such an outstanding night was particularly ‘important’ for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
“I told the lads earlier, it was an important win for us,” Morata told Sky Sport Italia after the game.
“It was important for the fans, the club as well, but for us above anything else. To [help us] be aware that we need to fight as lions to get results.
“Today, we did a great match, a serious display, we were very lucid with the ball at times and suffered together in other moments, as we had to do.
“We remain in the same situation. Tomorrow will be another day of work, we don’t need to set off fireworks because it’s a group stage’s game, but it’s important to be aware of how important it is to get a win here.”
The Spain international spared a thought for the people who are ‘going through a hell’ in Valencia, due to recent floodings which caused many casualties.
“It’s a normal emotion, with people going through a hell 300-400km away from here,” the striker said.
“I’m proud of my team, we can’t stop now but just keep working. I’m sorry I can’t be here helping my people, so it’s just a normal emotion, it’s a group stage’s game.”
Leao returned to Milan’s starting XI after three consecutive Serie A benches, giving a crucial contribution to his side’s win, and Morata explained no one in the team ‘had doubts’ about his worth.
“We never had doubts. I said it earlier, he must be aware that he can make football history,” he added.
“He’s much stronger than any of us, he has to play like this every game. We’re very proud and happy for Rafa.”
Player ratings: Real Madrid 1-3 Milan – Leao and Reijnders shine in Champions League masterclass
how many more times do we have to see tomori have balls played over his head before he is properly benched? in that first half, he was basically playing for real Madrid! never knows when to push up or stay back or where the attacker is on his shoulder!
Milan needed a strong ref! Var was critical because of course the offsides would only be given vs the opposition in bernabeu!
how ceballos has escaped with not even a yellow is beyond me! even for the pen, vinicius is already falling over!
The floods in Valencia are anything but natural… let that sink in
Leao is a Champion now LOL!