AC Milan forward Chukwueze watches on from the bench against favourite opponents Real Madrid

Samuel Chukwueze's search for a first Champions League start this campaign continues as he was an unused substitute in AC Milan's 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League fixture played at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.

Statistically speaking, Real Madrid are Chukwueze's joint favourite opponents in terms of goals scored, having found the net three times in nine matches against the capital outfit, more than any other team in club football apart from Levante UD and Barcelona (also three). 

Malick Thiaw gave Milan the lead in the 12th minute, outjumping the Los Blancos defence to head Christian Pulisic's corner into the goalpost.

Vinicius Jr restored parity for the home side from the penalty spot, having been brought down by Emerson Royal and he stepped up to convert it, leaving Mike Maignan with no chance to save the ball as he sent him the wrong way.

AC Milan were back in the ascendancy before half-time, as Alvaro Morata put the ball home after Andriy Lunin had saved Rafael Leão's initial effort.

Tijjani Reijnders gave the Rossoneri a two-goal cushion, finding the bottom left corner, having received a pass from Leão inside the penalty area.

Real Madrid thought they had pulled one back when Antonio Rudiger fired a brilliant shot past Maignan but his effort was chalked off for offside by the VAR.

Chukwueze has had an upturn in form in recent weeks and notched an assist in the last Champions League fixture with Club Brugge last month.

The 25-year-old has an impressive record against Real Madrid, mustering three goals and two assists in nine games and must be disappointed that Paulo Fonseca deprived him of the chance to add to his tally against the Spanish giants.

The forward has made 12 appearances across all competitions this term, starting just five times, all of which have been in the Serie A.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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