By Alberto Cagliano Oct 20, 2009, 7:56 GMT
Rome - After weeks of lethargy, AC Milan seem to have regained some lost stamina and hope to continue their new course when they visit Real Madrid on Wednesday.
On Sunday, the gritty Devils rallied to a 2-1 league win over Roma, resisting the visitors' comeback effort despite the dismissal of Massimo Ambrosini with 10 minutes left.
Fans now expect another good showing in a Champions League date between the most successful clubs in the event, a match emotionally charged by the presence of Brazil star Kaka, playing his first season with Real after six years at Milan.
Friendship and good memories aside, avoiding a poor showing against the nine-time continental champions from Spain could be vital for rookie coach Leonardo, whose club has lifted the trophy seven times.
The Brazilian, who for four seasons shone as a Milan striker, stepped in last summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti, but has had problems managing a team of aged champions that, beside Kaka's transfer, saw defender Paolo Maldini retire at 41 after a 25-year career.
Eight games into the Serie A season, Leonardo's Milan are far below par, with two defeats and just three wins holding them seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.
The record fuelled rumours of a change at the helm, but the win over Roma could have signalled a turning point for the coach.
Leonardo seems to finally have found support from fellow-Brazilians Ronaldinho and Pato, who were both on target Sunday and and showed a firm hand in steering the team.
'The most important thing was the incredible spirit that the boys displayed,' Leonardo said, adding that he saw 'all black' after Roma's opening goal.
In Madrid, Milan are without the injured goalkeeper Marco Storari and midfield mainstay Gennaro Gattuso, but Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf sounded sure that the team will pull no punches.
'This are games where everyone wants to play and participate in,' said the midfielder Seedorf who won the Champions League with Real in the past.
'With this win against Roma we'll have the right morale to tackle Real, who are protagonists both in the (Spanish) Liga and in our Champions League group.
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