It was a young Milan player, not a young Madrid player, who was the best player on the pitch on Wednesday.

On Wednesday night, Chicago was host to many talented individuals who were deserving of the top slot. This was Real Madrid vs. AC Milan, after all. With so many high-priced players, which of these two legendary clubs would step up?

Which players from the American men’s national team would it be from Milan? Was it going to be the youthful, attractive, future legend from Brazil who was about to make his Real Madrid club debut? Is Luka Modric seen as a veteran?

Nope. A 17-year-old player and a reserve winger finally provided the game’s most memorable moment, but both will be hoping that their effort helps them give up those titles and win far better ones in the future.

Samuel Chukwueze, the lone goal scorer in Milan’s 1-0 triumph, led the way for the Italian giants. At least initially, the result wasn’t totally unexpected, considering that this was their third preseason game in contrast to Madrid’s first. Milan was the better team, hence they deserved to win.

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Chukwueze wasn’t the only one that excelled, though. Teenage Milan star Matia Liberali, who is anticipated to provide a spectacular performance, is the one who set him up. Liberali, for all his youth, possessed the best game of them all.

It wasn’t the greatest day in Endrick’s career, the young Milan star. He had his highs and lows, the most significant of them being the multiple fouls committed. Bigger things are ahead for the Brazilian, especially as he becomes more comfortable with his teammates and in these strange surroundings.

However, Milan prevailed, and the Italian squad is winning the preseason after triumphing over Real Madrid and Manchester City.

GOAL is used to categorise Soldier Field’s wins and losers.

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WINNER: Samuel Chukwueze

Despite still feeling like Milan’s fourth attacker, the winger made his mark on Wednesday.

After a very quiet first half, Chukwueze made a breakthrough early in the second half. When Milan was on the counter, he took advantage of a fantastic ball from Liberali and scored without making a mistake. Milan took the lead through a shot from the Nigerian that got past Andriy Lunin.

You introduce yourself to your new coach using goals. Chukwueze won his on Wednesday, demonstrating to Paulo Fonseca his abilities. Could the Nigerian play as a winger with all the talk about Christian Pulisic starting at number 10? If so, Milan might have a breakthrough season in their sophomore year.

LOSER: Cesar Palacios and Alvaro Rodriguez

Just minutes after entering the game, two teenage Real Madrid players sustained injuries that made for a challenging break.

Palacios, who is nineteen years old, was a regular for Real Madrid B the previous season and has experience playing for Spain’s U-20 team. He has a wonderful opportunity to show off his skills during this preseason. Sadly, after only six minutes of play, he hobbled off.

The 20-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez was able to remain for little longer—more than thirty minutes—but he also staggered out.

For two players expecting for a much better evening, it was a poor break. He has played for the senior team eleven times, but all but two of those games were in 2022–2023. Prior to this current campaign, he didn’t require this to prove his qualifications.

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WINNER: Endrick and Arda Guler

The planet did not catch fire because to Arda Guler and Endrick. During their 45 minutes on the field, both had their fair share of challenging moments, but neither materially changed how the game went.

But you picked up on something there. Though we still don’t know exactly what it is, something was there. Since this is just the beginning, better things are probably in store.

Let’s begin with Endrick, who was playing in his debut Real Madrid match. He wasn’t all that spectacular, to be honest. He only completed 13 touches in his 45 minutes. Nevertheless, it appears that he had his times. The 18-year-old showed how dangerous he was by creating one opportunity and getting fouled several times.

Despite what some have stated about him, he wasn’t quite the next Pele, although he did have a few small characteristics. Considering that this was his first game and that he is still getting to know this team, things can and will go better.

How smooth do you think Guler is? He could have easily dribbled by Ruben Loftus-Cheek at one stage, and his set pieces were deadly. If only one could make it to the finish line of some goals, those would be accomplished. Guler seems ready for a big breakthrough this year, even though some could argue he got one last year.

Once more, not perfect, but adequate. Real Madrid supporters, two outstanding players are on their way. Though it might take some time, they are on their way.

LOSER: The American fans

The audience was still expecting more, even though one of the two Americans who eventually made an appearance performed rather well.

In the 70th minute of play, two second-half substitutes—Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah—entered the match. Pulisic’s 20 minutes of play created numerous scoring opportunities for the U.S. men’s national team supporters present, but many spectators surely wanted to witness Pulisic and Musah take on the world’s finest team. Instead, they had cameos.

In a way, that makes sense, since the two are returning from a vacation that followed Copa America. They were the main attraction of the day for many of the people present, so it can still be depressing.

Liberali, who was given some bench time against Manchester City, made the most of his first start for Milan. With Chukwueze’s goal, he was a great assist since the 17-year-old had the touch and vision to play the winger through.

Even so, it wasn’t his finest performance. With two chances and 90% of his passes completed, the youthful attacker might have been named Man of the Match from his offensive midfield position. Though he only took a small shot, he also took one.

Liberali’s official debut may still be a little off due to his age, but for just one night against the best team in the world, the 17-year-old star prospect looked like one of the best.