AC Milan defeated Napoli 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, thanks to a goal from Ismael Bennacer.
The Algerian midfielder scored the lone goal of the game, giving the Rossoneri a slender lead going into the second leg in Naples next Tuesday.
Napoli, who were thrashed 4-0 by Milan just over a week ago in Serie A, came out looking to make amends for that defeat. They started the match brightly and created a number of opportunities, but were ultimately unable to find the back of the net.
Milan, meanwhile, were content to absorb the pressure and hit their opponents on the counter-attack. And it was on one such counter-attack that they scored the game’s only goal.
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Just five minutes before half-time, Bennacer received a pass from Brahim Diaz, took a touch to control the ball, and then unleashed a left-footed shot that flew past the outstretched arms of Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret and into the back of the net.
Napoli continued to push forward after the break, but were unable to find an equalizer despite some good chances. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a number of key saves to keep the visitors at bay, including a spectacular stop to deny Eljif Elmas.
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Napoli’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dealt a blow in the 74th minute when midfielder Frank Anguissa was sent off for picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. With Napoli reduced to ten men, Milan were able to see out the remainder of the game and secure the victory.
Milan will now head to Naples next week looking to protect their slender lead and book a place in the semi-finals. Napoli, on the other hand, will need to find a way to score at least one goal without injured star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the first leg through injury.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli will be pleased with his team’s performance but will know that the tie is far from over.
“It was a good performance from the team,” he said after the match.
“We played with intelligence and discipline, and we got the win. But we know that there is still a long way to go in this tie, and we will need to be at our best in Naples if we are to progress to the next round.“