Rome  - Brazil striker Pato managed to be both triumphant and down to earth as he left the Santiago Barnabeu with two more goals to his name in AC Milan's stunning
3-2 win at Real Madrid.

The brace consecrated the young Brazilian as the new flagbearer for the Devils and suddenly made the Devils' fans forget the displeasure of seeing Brazil ace Kaka leave for Real last summer.

After an indifferent start to the season, the 20-year-old had a fair share of praise on Thursday as Italian media, however, focused mainly on a win that could signal the end of a glum period for the red-blacks.

As against Roma, beaten 2-1 at the weekend with Pato on target, Milan rallied with grit and class to clinch a prestigious win that helped them forget a truly embarrassing start to the season, while seemingly securing the job of new coach Leonardo.

Pato complimented his team mates and as he savoured "a great evening, a special day," and added: "I must stay calm. I must still do much better in the remaining games and do more for the team."

AC Milan's website went through the 32 goals, including six braces, that Pato has scored since his debut in January 2008. On average, he scored a goal every 156 minutes.(dpa)