Milan legend Franco Baresi is ‘very curious to see’ how the new Champions League format works, noting the visit to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid could make a big difference.
The draw for the new format of the 2024-25 Champions League was completed this evening at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, although the precise dates and order of the fixtures will not be confirmed until Saturday August 31.
What we do know is that Milan will host Liverpool, Club Brugge, Crvena Zvezda and Girona, while visiting Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, GNK Dinamo and Slovan Bratislava.
“We are all curious to see how this goes, it is all new and very different,” Baresi told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have to take it one game at a time, knowing that every match will be important, just as goals scored will be. We must also be wary, as goal difference could prove fundamental, so playing at the Bernabeu or not can change something.”
Baresi knows European pedigree at Milan
Are they feeling oddly more confident in Europe with this draw?
“It’s difficult to say. Milan must think of winning both in Italy and abroad. It’s true that Milan have an important culture and philosophy based on doing well in Europe.
“Obviously, it helps to have players of an international level. We have to think of getting as many points as possible, because we don’t know what could happen. The big table means you have to compare yourself with everyone.”
Milan have had a dire start in Serie A under new coach Paulo Fonseca, drawing 2-2 with Torino and losing heavily away to Parma.
“We did not think that it would start this way. Milan have quality and the players to recover. We must not underestimate anyone, as every game has its dangers, so the spirit, attitude and determination must never be lacking.
“Now we hit the reset button after these two games and want to see our quality emerge,” concluded Baresi.
Milan: Liverpool H, Real Madrid A, Club Brugge H, Bayer Leverkusen A, Crvena Zvezda H, GNK Dinamo A, Girona H, Slovan Bratislava A