Olivier Giroud scored the only goal of the match as Milan beat Napoli 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final second leg, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory to book their place in the semi-finals.
Milan had taken a 1-0 lead in the first leg through Ismael Bennacer’s goal and doubled their advantage in the first half of the second leg, thanks to Giroud’s goal in the 43rd minute.
The French striker had earlier missed a penalty but made up for it with a tap-in from Rafael Leao’s cross. Napoli tried to mount a comeback and had chances through Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen, but their efforts were thwarted by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
⏰ RESULT ⏰
🔴⚫️ Milan have done it! #UCL pic.twitter.com/9tn0U3TxRG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 18, 2023
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Napoli did manage to pull a goal back in stoppage time through Osimhen, but it was too little too late as Milan held on to win the tie.
Milan had the better of the early exchanges and should have taken the lead when Mario Rui brought down Leao in the box, but Giroud’s penalty was saved by Alex Meret. However, Milan continued to press and were rewarded for their persistence when Giroud scored just before halftime.
Napoli tried to get back into the game in the second half, but Milan defended resolutely and held on for the win. Milan’s victory means that they have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2007.
They will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City in the last four.
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