Pellegrini wary of Milan threat

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by PA

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has warned his side not to let AC Milan's indifferent form lull them into a false sense of security ahead of the Champions League tie.

The clash at the Bernabeu pits the two most successful clubs in European Cup history against each other, but the pair have experienced vastly contrasting starts to their respective campaigns.

Nine-time European champions Madrid have won eight of their nine competitive matches so far, including both Champions League games against FC Zurich and Marseille.

Milan, who have picked up seven European Cup titles, have taken just 12 points from their opening eight Serie A games and suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Zurich in their last Champions League game.

That suggests Madrid are firm favourites to make it nine points out of nine in Group C, but Pellegrini is taking nothing for granted.

"Many of us have been surprised (by Milan's poor form), but this cannot make us overconfident," Pellegrini said.

"They have very experienced players and they played well in the second half of their match against Roma. If they have space they can be dangerous.

"For me, the next match is always the most important. It's always hard regardless of the opponent, but a clash between Real Madrid and Milan is special due to the greatness of both clubs and the quality of the squads."

The game will be extra special for Brazil international Kaka, who swapped Milan for Madrid this summer for a fee in the region of #56million after spending six seasons at the San Siro.

"It's the first time I've played against a former team," Kaka said.

"It's something new for me but I'm a professional and now I play for Real Madrid. We will see what happens. I'm going to give my best."

Aside from Kaka, Milan's Dutch duo Clarence Seedorf and Klaas Jan Huntelaar could also line up against their former employers. Seedorf helped Madrid win the Champions League during his time with the Spanish giants between 1996-99, while Huntelaar had a rather less successful seven-month spell at the Bernabeu last season.

Another player who is looking forward to returning to the Bernabeu is Milan playmaker Ronaldinho, who has fond memories of his past performances in the Spanish capital while wearing Barcelona colours.

Four years ago he received a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful after scoring twice in Barca's 3-0 triumph at the Bernabeu.

"It's a stadium where I have done beautiful things," he said. "But things are different now and we have a lot of respect for Real Madrid. They are one of the best teams in the world but we are determined to go there and get a win."

Ronaldinho goes into the showdown in buoyant mood having struck his first goal of the campaign in Sunday's 2-1 triumph over Roma, which lifted Leonardo's side to eighth place in Serie A.

Ronaldinho's Brazil team-mate Alexandre Pato struck the winner in that match and he is also fired up for Wednesday's encounter.

"I've never played at the Bernabeu Stadium and it will be a special match for me," he said. "It's a dream for me to play in that stadium against such a strong rival as Madrid are. I hope we can take home a positive result."

AC Milan will be without injured duo Gennaro Gattuso and Marco Storari, while Brazilian Nelson Dida will replace Storari in goal.

For Madrid, Pellegrini is again missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Guti, Fernando Gago, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Christoph Metzelder, but Lassana Diarra has been passed fit to play.