Real Madrid took a massive step forward in their Champions League campaign with a convincing victory on Tuesday night against AC Milan. Two goals in ninety seconds would be all the home side would need to put themselves atop the group, on nine points through the first three games and five points clear of Milan and Ajax Amsterdam. The last season that Real Madrid won their first three groups stage matches was during the 2001-2002 campaign; the last time Los Blancos were crowned the champions of Europe.

Madrid returned from the International break with a convincing 4-1 victory at Malaga. Cristiano Ronaldo parlayed a strong performance for Portugal into an equally impressive display in Andalucia at the weekend, playing the roll of both architect and goal scorer. Gonazalo Higuain’s double complimented the Portugal star’s brace as the visitors could have left La Rosaleda with a much more definitive result.

Tuesday’s result against AC Milan, who took four points in the group stage a year ago at Real Madrid expense, has the capital side club in phenomenal position to finish atop their table. Mourinho, after Madrid’s 11th hour victory in France during match day two, stated that a win in the first leg against Milan would all but guarantee classification for the knockout rounds. The Special One’s squad certainly control their own destiny, needing an extraordinary implosion to not progress in club football’s most prestigious tournament. More importantly, a work-in-progress Madrid side is beginning to play a style of football that is sending a definitive message throughout the continent; Real Madrid are poised to win major European trophies.

Ronaldo's conversion of an early set piece would set the tone for the hosts ©GettyImages

Milan boasts an attacking prowess that, a year ago, may have been too much for the then inconsistent Madrid backline; however, the duo of Ibrahimovic and Robinho were unable to break through stout defending from the hosts. Casillas was forced to be at his best, making a gaggle of impressive stops to maintain his clean sheet, but credit is due to the entire defensive unit. A Madrid side functioning on all cylinders will pose a very real threat to not only domestic but international competition.

With rumors of January transfers flooding the pages of Marca (per usual in the Spanish capital…with everyone from Gareth Bale joining from Tottenham and Pedro Leon heading to Hercules…allegedly), the La Liga leaders will look to maintain their spectacular form at the weekend against Racing Santander. Only one point separates the leaders from the next four clubs as the 2009-2010 campaign seems destined to be more than just a two team race. Another mid-week fixture (Madrid opens Copa del Rey play, hoping to avenge the embarrassment from the Alcocornazo from a year ago) will continue to test Real Madrid’s depth as Mourniho’s men continue pressing forward in a quest to end an unaccustomed trophy drought at the Bernabeu.