(Football news) AC Milan dominated the match as they took a major step towards their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 16 years as Ismael Bennacer’s goal helped them earn a 1-0 win over Napoli in the quarter final of the first leg at the San Siro. The Serie A leaders Napoli were facing the seven-times Champions League winner for the first time in the competition as it was also their first quarterfinals in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Napoli were looking to avenge their 4-0 home defeat by AC Milan in Serie A this month as they began the match on the front foot when they started pressing immediately. Napoli were without top-scorer Victor Osimhen who was injured for the first leg, they had their first chance when the Milan defence failed to clear their lines as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s attempt was blocked on the line. Piotr Zielinski went close when he fired in a shot on goal, but Mike Maignan tipped it over the crossbar.
Milan’s first came when Rafael Leao received the ball in his own half and made a brilliant solo run into the Napoli box before the shot just missed the target. Napoli dominated most of the first half possession but the hosts got a very important breakthrough five minutes before the half time whistle when Brahim Diaz assisted Isamel Bennacer who’s low shot beat the keeper at the near post. AC Milan had the opportunity to double their lead but Simon Kjaer’s header struck the crossbar.
Napoli’s day got worse in the 16 minute when midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa received a second yellow card for a foul on Theo Hernandez. The Romanian referee issued 10 yellow cards, four to Milan and six to Napoli as Napoli’s key centre back Kim Min-Jae is ruled out of the second leg. Milan now become the only team in Europe to beat Napoli more than once this season and this will act as a confidence booster when they meet for the second leg of the quarterfinal on April 18.
“I am above all happy to enjoy evenings like this with our fans,” AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli told Sky Sport Italia after his side kept a fifth consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League for the first time since 2004-05.
“The history of Milan speaks to many Champions League victories, but the recent years saw us dream of getting here, so we wanted to enjoy it.
“We didn’t build out well from the back at the start, giving Napoli the chance to hurt us, but we got the first home win over Napoli in three years.”
