At Stadio Maradona, AC Milan defeated Napoli 1-1 with aggregate of 2-1 and booked their place in UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Giroud scored for Milan while Leao showed his talent.
Four changes were made from the first leg by Luciano Spalletti. Due to suspension of min-jae’s and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Jesus and Ndombele took their place. Lozano and Elmas were benched in favour of Osimhen, who had also returned.
Stefano Pioli, meanwhile, went back to the exact Milan XI that began the first leg. Leao was recalled in this leg as well as Diaz also started.
An early chance for Napoli after Tonali fouled Kvaratskhelia, leading to a free kick. Rui’s delivery was deflected for a corner from behind. Through a series of set pieces, the hosts enjoyed a sustained period of pressure. As they attempted to weather the storm, Milan remained steadfast.
After a quick Milan counter, Rui caught Leao in the final moments of the box. The referee pointed directly at the spot without any hesitation. Giroud took a step forward and attempted to place the ball to the keeper’s left. Meret, however, was able to dive across and avoid it because of the ideal height.
Giroud cleverly lost Rrahmani by letting the ball roll across his body, creating room for a shot. But Meret made a quick decision to reject him. The ball was quickly moved into the penalty area as Napoli threatened once more. Aiming for the advancing Lozano, the ball was played, but Leao skillfully timed his challenge to stop Lozano.
Giroud’s goal came as a result of Leao’s outstanding run. Leao took possession of the ball far inside his own half, started a quick run, and manoeuvred around obstacles to get to the penalty spot. He then displayed maturity and clarity to square it for Giroud, who executed flawlessly from inside the six-yard box.
Osimhen took advantage of Milan’s inability to clear by shooting past Maignan at close range. His happiness was short-lived, though, as the referee correctly ruled that the ball struck the striker’s arm before he finished.
Kvaratskhelia skillfully evaded two Milan defenders as he made his way towards the box. He attempted to keep his shot down, but once more he blazed over. Unmarked Olivera was finished and brought to the far post to meet Kvaratskhelia’s corner. He attempted to aim his header, but he was unsuccessful.
The hosts looked to turn up the pressure with a series of set-pieces. Zielinski worked space to shoot from the edge of the box, but his effort deflected behind for a corner. When the Napoli attacked, the ball struck Tomori’s sliding hand. The referee pointed to the area right away. Kvaratskhelia moved forward to take the penalty, but Maignan correctly anticipated him and denied him.
Napoli had their goal as Osimhen sent a powerful header into the bottom corner but it was too little too late for the hosts
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