April 12, (THEWILL) – In the absence of Victor Osimhen, AC Milan clinched a 1-0 victory over 10-man Napoli in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
Ismael Bennacer was the hero for the hosts after his 40th-minute strike proved decisive. Napoli had the better of the early exchanges with both Frank Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski, forcing smart saves from Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
Napoli’s hopes of a comeback were hit when Anguissa received his marching orders for two yellow cards in quick succession. Milan almost extended their lead in the closing stages when Simon Kjaer headed against the crossbar. Despite late pressure, Napoli could not find an equaliser.
The victory leaves Milan in pole position ahead of the second leg at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium next week. Meanwhile, Napoli will hope that Osimhen is back and raring to go as they regroup and hope to overturn the narrow deficit in front of their own fans.
Before then, Milan will face Bologna while Napoli host Verona in the Serie A on Saturday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
