The best player on the pitch on Wednesday was a young Milan player, not a young Madrid one.

There were plenty of talents in Chicago on Wednesday night who could have taken home the top spot. After all, this was Real Madrid vs. AC Milan. Which of these two illustrious teams, with so many expensive players, would step up?

Which talents from Milan’s U.S. men’s national team would it be? Would it be the young, handsome Brazilian legend-in-waiting who was set to make his club debut for Real Madrid? Would Luka Modric be considered a veteran?

Nope. The game’s most memorable moment ultimately came from a 17-year-old kid and a backup winger, though both will be hoping that this effort helps them give up those titles and win far better ones down the road.

Leading the way for the giants of Italy was Samuel Chukwueze, who scored the lone goal in Milan’s 1-0 victory. Given that this was their third preseason match compared to Madrid’s first, the outcome wasn’t entirely unexpected, at least not at first. Milan deserved their outcome because they were the superior team

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However, Chukwueze wasn’t the only one who shone. The man who set him up is Milan’s teenage talent Matia Liberali, who is expected to give a standout performance. Despite his youth, one could say that Liberali had the finest game of all.

Endrick, the young star of Milan, didn’t have the best day of his career. He experienced some high points as well as low points, the most notable of which were several fouls committed. The Brazilian has bigger things in store, especially as he grows more at ease in these unfamiliar surroundings and with his teammates.

But Milan had the better of the day, and after victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City, the Italian team is off to a strong start in the preseason.

The winners and losers from Soldier Field are broken down by GOAL.

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WINNER: Samuel Chukwueze

Although the winger still feels like Milan’s fourth attacker, he took his moment on Wednesday.

The second half saw Chukwueze break through early after a very quiet first half. He took advantage of a wonderful ball from Liberali when Milan was on the counter and scored without error. With a shot that went past Andriy Lunin, the Nigerian gave Milan the lead.

Goals is how you introduce yourself to your new coach. Chukwueze showed Paulo Fonseca what he was capable of on Wednesday by winning his. Given all the discussion about Christian Pulisic playing at number 10, could the Nigerian find himself in a wing position? If so, Milan’s sophomore campaign might be a breakout one.

LOSER: Cesar Palacios and Alvaro Rodriguez

Two teenage Real Madrid players had a difficult break after suffering injuries just minutes after entering the game.

Nineteen years old Palacios has experience playing for Spain’s U-20 team and was a regular for Real Madrid B the previous season. This preseason is a great opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities. Regretfully, he hobbled off after just six minutes of play.

Alvaro Rodriguez, 20, managed to stay a little longer—more than thirty minutes—but he too hobbled away.

A bad break for two players who were hoping for a much better evening. He has made ten appearances for the senior squad, however all but two of them came in 2022–2023. He didn’t need this to establish his credentials before this current campaign.

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WINNER: Endrick and Arda Guler

Arda Guler and Endrick didn’t put the world on fire. Both had their share of difficult moments during their 45 minutes on the pitch, but neither significantly altered the course of the match.

However, you noticed something there. There was something, even though we’re not sure what it is yet. Better things are likely on the horizon, as this is only the beginning.

Let’s start with Endrick, who was having his first game for Real Madrid. To be honest, he wasn’t all that amazing. In his 45 minutes, he only made 13 touches. Still, it seems like he had his moments. The 18-year-old created one opportunity and was fouled multiple times, demonstrating his dangerousness.

He wasn’t precisely the next Pele, despite what has been said about him, but he did have some minor traits. Things can and will get better, considering that this was his first game and that this is still a relatively new team to him.

How smooth is Guler, in your opinion? At one point, he dribbled by Ruben Loftus-Cheek with ease, and his set pieces were lethal. There are objectives to be achieved if one could just reach the end of those. Guler appears poised for a significant breakthrough this year—though some may argue he already achieved one last year.

Again, not ideal, but passable. Supporters of Real Madrid, two excellent players are on their way. They’re coming, albeit it might take some time.

LOSER: The American fans

When the two Americans finally appeared, one of them did a fair job, but the spectators still desired more.

Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic were both second-half substitutes who entered the game in the 70th minute. For the supporters of the U.S. men’s national team there, Pulisic’s 20 minutes of play produced multiple scoring opportunities, but many in the audience undoubtedly desired to see Pulisic and Musah take on the best team in the world. Rather, they received cameos.

It makes sense, in a way, as the two make their way back following a vacation following Copa America. It can still be sad, though, because for a lot of people there, they were the day’s main draw.

WINNER: Mattia Liberali

Go ahead, young man!

Liberali started for Milan and made the most of his first start since he was given some bench time against Manchester City. He was a terrific helper on Chukwueze’s goal, as the 17-year-old had the touch and vision to play the winger through.

Still, that wasn’t his best moment. From his offensive midfield position, the teenager may have been Man of the Match, finishing 90% of his passes and producing two chances. He also took a shot, although he just took a little bit.

Due to his age, Liberali’s official debut may still be some time off, but for this one night against the world’s top squad, the 17-year-old talent prospect appeared to belong among the greatest.