Goals: Napoli – AC Milan – Played on 14/18/ 2023
Milan secured their spot in the semifinals of the Champions League despite drawing 1-1 with Napoli at the Diego Maradona Stadium in the second leg of the quarter-finals. The first leg saw Milan win 1-0, which gave them a 2-1 aggregate victory over Napoli.
Napoli’s Early Pressure
Napoli started the match with a lot of pressure on Milan’s defense, and they were able to earn a free kick in front of the penalty area. Mario Roy hit the ball from outside the area, but it hit the wall and passed near the right post of goalkeeper Mainan. Napoli then executed a corner inside the area, which was met by Roy with a header that hit Kronic and went out for another corner.
Milan’s First Attempt
Milan’s first attempt came after 14 minutes from a free kick outside the area. Tonali took the shot, which reached the arms of goalkeeper Merritt.
Politano’s Attempts for Napoli
Napoli’s right-wing, Matteo Politano, fired a powerful left-footed shot that passed next to Milan’s right-hand post, missing an opportunity to score. Politano had another dangerous attempt after Milan’s defense dispersed the ball, and he fired a shot that passed along the left post.
Milan’s Penalty Kick
The referee awarded Milan a penalty kick after Mario Roy interfered with Rafael Leao. Olivier Giroud fired a powerful shot to the left of the goalkeeper, but Merritt shone and blocked the kick, preventing Milan from taking the lead in the 23rd minute.
Giroud Scores Milan’s First Goal
In the 43rd minute, Liao took advantage of a fatal mistake by Ndombele in front of Milan’s penalty area. Liao set off from the middle of the stadium, passed by more than one player, and penetrated into the area. He then passed the ball on a plate of gold to Giroud, who scored Milan’s first goal.
Napoli’s Disallowed Goal
Osimhen scored a goal in the 45+3 minute, which would have equalized the score for Napoli, but the referee canceled it because there was a handball on the striker.
Kvaratskhelia’s Attempts for Napoli
In the first minute of the second half, Kvaratskhelia almost scored the equalizer with his skill. He dodged Calabria inside Milan’s area, but his shot went past the crossbar. Kvaratskhelia missed another opportunity in the 58th minute after passing two Milan defenders and then firing a missile that also went over the crossbar.
Napoli’s Penalty Kick
Napoli got a penalty kick in the 80th minute after a handball on Tomori, but Kafara failed to convert it. Goalkeeper Maenan shone and turned the ball away for a corner.
Osimhen Scores Napoli’s Equalizer
Napoli continued to press and was finally able to equalize in the 90+3 minute. Osimhen took advantage of a cross from Raspadori on the right side, which he met with an excellent header into the net, ending the match in a draw.
Looking Ahead
Despite a valiant effort by Napoli, Milan secured their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory. In the second leg of the quarter-finals, played on Tuesday at the Diego Maradona Stadium, Milan tied with their hosts Napoli 1-1. Olivier Giroud scored Milan’s goal in the 43rd minute, while Victor Osimhen equalized for Napoli in the 90+3 minute.
