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Kaká injury dents Milan hopes
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2nd October 2013 - Madrid, Spain
The match between Real Madrid and A.C. Milan meant that all eyes would be on Brazilian playmaker Kaká and French defender Raphaël Varane as they donned the red and black of A.C. Milan to face their former club, Real Madrid. It was especially Kaká, who was the centre of attention, since he was facing not only his former club in the Los blancos, but also his former manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who sources have said is a figure of great respect for the 31 year old midfielder. There was another home coming, albeit from the dugout, as new Milan boss Clarence Seedorf came to Santiago Bernabeu to have his club play against a former team. Seedorf had won the UEFA Champions League with Madrid and had stayed at the Galacticos for 3 years from 1996 to 1999 and helped the team achieve some silverware during his time. Seedorf reacted emotionally to this spectacle and said that "Along with Milan, Madrid too is a club I hold close to my heart. It feels fantastic to be here again, it brings back old memories from when I played for the Los Blancos. I hope the fans will be kind to Kaká and Varane as well, who too come to face their old club today, and will have an indescribable feeling inside them."
Things started off on a high note for Kaká as he threatened his former club's backline with a number of runs and through balls, but the Milan men could not convert it into an advantage. Things then turned bad for the Milan vice captain as he tore a calf muscle while chasing the ball in the 35th minute. The 31 year old could simply not carry on and had to be substituted for youngster Stephan El Sharaawy who then went on to score a goal for the Rossoneri.
Kaká will now be forced to sit on the sidelines for an estimated 3 to 4 months since it is believed that the injury that he picked up during the match was quite bad. Manager Clarence Seedorf said that he "wished the best for Kaká and hoped he would soon be back on the pitch again", also adding that "Replacing a player of Kaká's calibre is nigh impossible, but I hope that we make him happy as he sees us from the sidelines and that we as a team rally round to make sure that the hardwork he has put to put us upto here doesn't go to waste."
Milan will now face a dilemma of who to play as their central attacking threat, with main striker Mario Balotelli also picking up a 6 week injury during an Italy practice session. Some pundits have touted El Sharaawy to take over Kaká's role in the midfield, but an insider source has stated that the coaching staff is still not sure whether El Shaarawy has enough practice in that role. The title chase will turn all the more exciting for other fans now, with it being seemingly wide open. The question is, can Milan keep the results up. or will they crumble due to these injuries?
Meanwhile, let us look at yesterday's match.
Real Madrid v A.C. Milan
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For Real Madrid:
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Ronaldo (pen 44)
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Marcelo (85)
A.C. Milan
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Nocerino (53)
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Constant (70)
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El Shaarawy (pen 76)
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Kaka (35)
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Christian Abiatti, 8.4
That score line looks very deceptive and Madrid will be disappointed to lose this one since they dominated the game, keeping 62 percent of the possession and having 19 shots on target as opposed to Milan's 8. Special mention must be made to Milan goalkeeper Abiatti who did his shot stopping duties with aplomb and denied the Madridistas a moment of happiness countless times. Abiatti has shown people that he has what it takes to keep the team in the game, and that is why Abiatti is our man of the match, because without him, Milan might not have won.
Kaka (1, 29)
Ignazio Abate (61)
Mexes (43)
Kaka, 9.2
Have planned to get him on a free transfer/transfer once some of my funds free up!
Radosevic (48 o.g.)
Radosevic (76)
