The greatest player on the pitch on Wednesday was a young Milan player rather than a young Madrid guy.

There were plenty of talented individuals in Chicago on Wednesday night who could have taken the top slot. After all, this was Real Madrid versus AC Milan. Which of these two great teams, with so many expensive players, will step forward?

Which players from Milan’s United States men’s national team would it be? Will the young, attractive Brazilian legend-in-waiting make his Real Madrid debut? Will Luka Modric be considered a veteran?

Nope. The game’s most memorable moment eventually came from a 17-year-old youngster and a reserve winger, but both will be hoping that their performance allows them to relinquish those titles and win far better ones in the future.

Samuel Chukwueze led the way for the Italian giants, scoring the game’s only goal in Milan’s 1-0 victory. Given that this was their third preseason encounter, compared to Madrid’s first, the outcome wasn’t wholly unexpected, at least not initially. Milan deserved the result because they were the superior team.

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Chukwueze was not the only one to shine. Matia Liberali, Milan’s youthful star, set him up and is poised to deliver an outstanding performance. Despite his youth, Liberali had the best game of all.

Endrick, Milan’s young star, did not enjoy the best day of his career. He had both high and low points, with multiple fouls being the most prominent. The Brazilian has larger plans, especially as he adjusts to his new surroundings and colleagues.

But Milan had the best of the day, and with wins over Real Madrid and Manchester City, the Italians are off to a good start in the preseason.

The Soldier Field winners and losers are sorted by GOAL.

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WINNER: Samuel Chukwueze

Although the winger is still considered Milan’s fourth attacker, he had his time on Wednesday.

Chukwueze scored early in the second half, following a quiet first half. He scored without error after capitalising on a fantastic ball from Liberali while Milan was on the counter. With a shot past Andriy Lunin, the Nigerian handed Milan the lead.

Goals are how you present yourself to your new coach. On Wednesday, Chukwueze demonstrated his abilities to Paulo Fonseca by winning his match. Given all the talk about Christian Pulisic playing at number 10, could the Nigerian find himself on the wing? If that’s the case, Milan’s sophomore season may be a breakthrough.

LOSERS: Cesar Palacios and Alvaro Rodriguez.
Two young Real Madrid players had a rough break after sustaining injuries barely minutes into the game.

Palacios, 19, has played for Spain’s under-20 team and was a regular for Real Madrid B the previous season. This preseason provides an excellent opportunity for him to showcase his ability. Unfortunately, he hobbled off after only six minutes of play.

Alvaro Rodriguez, 20, stayed for more than thirty minutes before hobbling away.

A disappointing break for two players who were expecting a much better evening. He has made 10 appearances for the senior squad, with all but two coming in 2022-2023. He did not require anything to prove his credentials prior to the current campaign.

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WINNER: Endrick and Arda Guler

Arda Guler and Endrick did not set the world on fire. Both had rough moments during their 45 minutes on the field, but neither notably changed the outcome of the game.

However, you did detect something there. There was something, but we don’t know what it is yet. Better things are probably on the way, as this is merely the beginning.

Let us start with Endrick, who was playing his debut game for Real Madrid. To be honest, he wasn’t that impressive. In 45 minutes, he only had 13 touches. Still, it appears that he had his moments. The 18-year-old generated one opportunity but was fouled several times, showcasing his dangerousness.

He wasn’t the next Pele, despite what has been said about him, although he did have certain small characteristics. Things can and will improve, given that this was his first game and this is still a new squad for him.

How smooth is Guler, in your opinion? At one point, he dribbled by Ruben Loftus-Cheek with ease, and his set pieces were devastating. There are goals to be accomplished if one can simply get to the end of them. Guler appears to be on track for a huge breakthrough this year—though some may argue that he achieved one last year.

Again, not perfect, but acceptable. Real Madrid fans, two outstanding players are on their way. They’re coming, though it may take some time.

LOSER: The American fans

When the two Americans eventually emerged, one of them performed a decent job, but the crowd still wanted more.

Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic were second-half substitutes who joined the game in the 70th minute. Pulisic’s 20 minutes of play provided numerous scoring opportunities for U.S. men’s national team fans, but many in the audience surely wanted to see Pulisic and Musah against the world’s finest team. They were given cameo roles instead.

It makes sense in a way, as the two return from a vacation following Copa America. It can still be upsetting, though, because they were the highlight of the day for many individuals there.

WINNER: Mattia Liberali.

Go ahead, young man!

Liberali started for Milan and made the most of his first start after spending time on the bench against Manchester City. He was a fantastic assist on Chukwueze’s goal, as the 17-year-old had the touch and vision to get the winger through.

Still, that wasn’t his best moment. From his offensive midfield position, the teenager could have been Man of the Match, completing 90% of his passes and creating two opportunities. He also took a shot, although a small one.

Liberali’s official debut may be some time away due to his age, but for one night against the world’s best squad, the 17-year-old star prospect appeared to be among the greatest.