WATCH: Referee awards controversial penalty to Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League

During the fourth matchday of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid fell down once more at the Santiago Bernabeu. Malick Thiaw, who positioned himself between Aurelien Tchouameni as well as Eder Militao before delivering a beautiful header past Andriy Lunin, scored the goal directly from Christian Pulisic's corner.

Emerson Royal fouled the Brazilian once he got close to the six-yard box after Vinicius Junior raced into the penalty area from the left, forcing the referee to signal to the spot. Madrid is level after Vinicius cuts it directly down the middle. Notably, the Brazilian, not Kylian Mbappe, took the penalty kick.

Penalty for Real Madrid 🤣🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/iXlBAi91Yj

— Penalty a favor del Real Madrid (@PenaltytoMadrid) November 5, 2024

Real Madrid starting XI vs AC Milan: Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe.

AC Milan starting XI vs Real Madrid: Mike Maignan, Emerson Royal, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Rafael Leao, Alvaro Morata.

Real Madrid (15) and Milan (7) are the two most successful teams in the competition, having won an incredible 22 UEFA Champions League titles amongst them. Nearly fourteen years ago today, in November 2010, these two last faced off in a 2-2 tie at the San Siro. Everyone would be hoping for a game of the same calibre during their encounter today at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Rodri is a spectacular player” : Ruud Gullit

Gullit recently discussed his thoughts about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Ballon d'Or, particularly with reference to Vinicius Jr., in an interview with MARCA before tonight's match involving Real Madrid and AC Milan. Discussions have centered on the Brazilian winger, who some believe should have won the coveted honor instead of Rodri, the winner.

Gullit praised Rodri's contributions in pivotal games and hailed his outstanding performance. He said, “Rodri is a spectacular player, he has done incredible things. In the most important games he has scored goals as a midfielder.”