AC Milan advances to Champions League Semifinals after beating Napoli 2-1 on aggregate.
1. Introduction
AC Milan has secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2022-2023 Champions League foot ball after an impressive performance against Napoli in the quarter-finals. Despite facing a one-goal deficit from the first leg, Milan managed to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory, with a goal from Olivier Giroud and a penalty save from goalkeeper Mike Maignan. In this article, we'll provide a summary of the match, including the score, goals, and highlights.
Napoli's European Campaign Ends as AC Milan Progresses to Champions League Semifinals
2. Match Summary
Napoli knew they needed to score to keep their European campaign alive and came out strongly, putting Ac M ilan under pressure. Although Napoli had a few half-chances, Milan made the first real impact with Rafael Leao winning a penalty in the Napoli box. Despite Olivier Giroud taking the penalty kick, Alex Meret managed to save it.
Despite the penalty miss, Leao and Giroud combined again within minutes to give Milan the lead. Leao's powerful running saw him one-on-one with Meret, and he slid the ball to Giroud for a simple finish.
Napoli began the second half needing two goals to stay in the competition, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Milan appeared to be closing the game out effectively, but a handball against Fikayo Tomori gave Napoli a late penalty. However, Mike Maignan saved the spot-kick from Kvaratskhelia.
Victor Osimhen scored a late header for Napoli, but it was too late to change the outcome of the match. Milan won the game 2-1 on aggregate, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
3. Napoli Struggles Against Milan
This was the third time this month that Napoli v had faced AC Milan, and it was the third time they failed to secure a victory. Milan had previously won 4-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and 1-0 at the San Siro, with the latest match ending in a 1-1 draw. While Napoli is expected to win Serie A this season, it is AC Milan who will proceed to the next round of the Champions League.
4. AC Milan Back at the Top Table
After a 16-year absence, AC Milan has returned to the top table of European football, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. AC Milan has equalled the Italian record set by Juventus of seven appearances in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Mike Maignan played a crucial role in Milan's victory with several big saves and the crucial penalty stop.
5. Defensive Masterclass from AC Milan
Despite having only 26% of the possession, Milan's defense put in an impressive performance, limiting Napoli's opportunities to score. This defensive masterclass was crucial in securing Milan's place in the semi-finals.
6. Conclusion
AC Milan has secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League with an impressive 2-1 aggregate victory over Napoli. Despite Napoli's efforts to turn the tie around, Milan's defense held strong, and they now have a chance to win the competition for the first time since 2006/07.
