Allegri backing Milan to bounce back

Massimiliano Allegri launched a staunch defence of his AC Milan side ahead of their home tie against Real Madrid CF, following losses to the Spanish team on Matchday 3 and Juventus on Saturday. Milan trail section leaders Madrid by five points and for José Mourinho, it is his first game back in the city since leaving FC Internazionale Milano in the summer as he looks to secure Los Merengues' first win at San Siro and wrap up qualification from Group G.

Massimiliano Allegri, Milan coach
We are a strong team. We lost against Juventus but they scored two lucky goals. Milan played very well on Saturday and did not deserve to lose. It was the same thing against Real Madrid two weeks ago. Sometimes football tells lies: we conceded two unlucky goals [against Juventus], made two mistakes and paid for them both. We took 23 shots and only scored once, despite creating many clear chances. We have good qualities and have to play as a team. Milan are not, and will never be, a team that lines all the players up in front of our box to defend.

We lost an important game in the league, but we had won the previous four. It's OK to emphasis the fact when a team like Milan lose, and of course we can improve on many things, but there are also many positive signs that make me optimistic. This is a strong group of players, playing at a good level, so we have everything needed to win. We have to keep Real Madrid under pressure – we can't repeat the technical mistakes we made in the first leg.

José Mourinho, Madrid coach
I don't have to talk about the way Milan should play. We are ready should they play 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or a mixture. When a top team loses, they rarely lose two in a row so I think they will be stronger than Saturday. They will be more focused, and there's more pressure on them, but not that much as this game is not decisive. We're doing well now and want to continue that here. To play against Milan in San Siro is something everybody wants to do.

I felt the warmth of the Inter supporters today, but now I want to focus on the game. I'd like to meet Inter with Madrid so I can thank them for all they did for me. Despite the rivalry, there was respect between me and Milan. We are growing as a team. I have always said that it's my second season at a club that everything works almost perfectly, but this doesn't mean we're not going to try to do well now.

The fact that Madrid have never won at San Siro depends on the pressure they felt I think. Madrid always had good teams but never won here. It's because it's difficult: simple as that. But I'm sure that Milan are worried.

Team news
• Milan
Massimo Oddo has been ruled out for four to six weeks after sustaining a left thigh problem in training on Friday. Daniele Bonera was replaced before half-time against Juventus after picking up a knock to his left shin. Ronaldinho (right thigh), Gianluca Zambrotta (left thigh), Thiago Silva (ankle) and Massimo Ambrosini (left knee) have all missed recent games, but are now available for selection.

• Madrid
Kaká could miss the group stage having undergone surgery on his left knee in early August, while Ezequiel Garay (right knee) and Fernando Gago (left knee) are yet to play for Madrid this term. Lassana Diarra has recovered from a groin injury, but has not travelled to Milan.

Weekend results
30/10/10 Milan 1-2 Juventus
(Ibrahimović 82; Quagliarella 24, Del Piero 65)
The Rossoneri suffered their first home defeat in Serie A in 2010, following ten wins and five draws. Zlatan Ibrahimović's consolation was his 99th goal in all competitions for Italian teams.

30/10/10 Hercules CF 1-3 Madrid
(Trezeguet 3; Di María 52, Ronaldo 82 86)
Los Merengues stretched their unbeaten run to 20 games in all competitions, a sequence dating back to 10 April and a 2-0 defeat by FC Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in his last eight games for club and country, including four in a 6-1 defeat of Real Racing Club on 23 October.

Did you know?
Madrid have lost ten and drawn three of their 13 visits to San Siro.

For more information see the match background.