AC Milan survive Napoli scare to win 2-1 on aggregate

Napoli's dream run in the UEFA Champions League was ended by fellow Italian side AC Milan
AC Milan Napoli

(Football news) AC Milan drew 1-1 against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in a tense 2nd leg. The absence of the suspended Kim Min-jae and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was clearly felt by Napoli. On top of that they lost Mario Rui and Matteo Politano through injury in the 34th minute. Milan on the other hand retained the same XI that started the return leg at San Siro. Napoli started the game on the front foot as they were desperate for an early goal. Napoli were dominating the game but they weren’t creating clear cut chances to test Mike Maignan. 

Rafael Leao was fouled inside the box by Mario Rui and the referee pointed to the spot. Olivier Giroud’s resulting penalty was saved by Alex Meret who folowed it up with a few more saves to keep Rossoneri at bay. Leao once again decided to take matters into his own hands as he went on a darting solo run from the halfway line. He beat a left a few Napoli players behind before squaring it to Giroud who scored a simple goal to make it 2-0 to Milan on aggregate. Napoli continued to attack but the Milan defence was pretty solid. Kvaratskhelia was creating opportunities but his end product in particular was off.

Fikayo Tomori handled the ball in the box and Napoli were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute. Kvaratskhelia stepped up to take the spot kick but Mike Maignan pulled off a save. The Milan keeper saved a couple of more chances but finally conceded a goal to Victor Osimhen. Fortunately for Milan, Napoli failed to score a 2nd goal that would’ve taken the tie to extra time. Milan reached the UEFA Champions League semi final for the first time since 2007. They will face the winner of Inter Milan vs Benfica for a place in the finals.

Also read: Real Madrid win 4-0 on aggregate courtesy of Rodrygo’s brace

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