April 18, (THEWILL) – Victor Osimhen scored a late goal for Napoli on Tuesday for a 1-1 draw but it proved to be in vain as it was AC Milan that secured a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, their first since 2007.
Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli came into the match with a high-pressing game plan, firing in crosses and pressing Milan with intensity and aggression from the first whistle. However, Milan weathered the storm and started to pose a threat to the counter-attack.
In the 20th minute, Milan won a penalty after Rafael Leao was taken down in the penalty area by Mario Rui. Olivier Giroud stepped up to take the penalty but could only fire a tame effort which was saved by Alex Meret. Milan and Giroud had another chance just five minutes later, but Meret saved well with his legs. Milan eventually took the lead just before half-time, with Leao producing a moment of magic to set up Giroud for a tap-in.
Napoli continued to push forward in the second half, but Milan’s defence held strong and limited their chances. Luciano’s side was offered a lifeline when Fikayo Tomori conceded a penalty in the 82nd minute, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s effort was saved brilliantly by Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. Osimhen scored a late header, but it was not enough as Milan held on to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Both teams will play their next matches in the Serie A on Sunday, with Napoli away at Juventus while Milan welcome Lecce to the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza.
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.
