Ismael Bennacer gave AC Milan a slim benefit towards Napoli© AFP
Ismael Bennacer gave AC Milan a slim benefit of their all-Italian Champions League quarter-final towards Napoli with the one aim in Wednesday’s tight 1-0 first-leg win. Algeria midfielder Bennacer lashed within the decisive strike 5 minutes earlier than half-time of an enticing contest at a packed, loud and moist San Siro after Brahim Diaz and Rafael Leao mixed brilliantly. The 25-year-old’s strike ensured Milan’s second win over Italy’s champions-elect Napoli in lower than a fortnight and a slender result in defend at Stadio Maradona in Naples subsequent week.
Napoli, who had Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa despatched off within the 74th minute, ought to have Victor Osimhen again for the second leg on Tuesday and with out their star striker Luciano Spalletti’s staff acquired nothing regardless of having loads of probabilities.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a sequence of spectacular stops, particularly throughout an early salvo from Napoli which led to 4 good alternatives within the opening quarter of an hour.
He additionally saved Milan late on when he clawed out Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s effort simply because the greater than 70,000 house followers had been celebrating victory.
However Bennacer’s strike was simply sufficient to offer Milan hopes of their first Champions League semi-final since they had been topped kings of Europe for the seventh and most up-to-date time in 2007.
That prospect can be all of the extra mouth-watering for Milan followers as their probably opponents can be native rivals Inter following their convincing win at Benfica on Tuesday.
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