AC Milan has advanced to the Champions League semifinals after securing a 1-1 draw at Napoli to win the quarterfinals tie 2-1 on aggregate.
The seven-time European champion has had a tumultuous time in recent years, but now seems to be regaining its status as a European powerhouse. Milan had won the first leg 1-0 against the runaway Serie A leader Napoli, and Olivier Giroud’s first-half goal in the second leg proved decisive.
Despite having a penalty saved earlier in the game, Giroud made amends two minutes before half-time when Rafael Leao provided the perfect assist for the Frenchman to score. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial save in stoppage time, blocking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty to ensure Milan’s passage to the next round.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen scored in the dying minutes of the game, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the tie.
Milan’s coach Stefano Pioli spoke about the team’s victory: “Everyone thought we were the underdogs, but we have a lot of heart, we put everything into this.” The team will now face either city rivals Inter Milan or Benfica in the semifinals.
Milan’s recent resurgence has been welcomed by football fans worldwide. The club has faced financial difficulties in recent years, and Silvio Berlusconi’s ownership of the club came to an end after thirty years. However, with new owners and a renewed sense of purpose, Milan has shown that they are once again a force to be reckoned with in European football.
Milan’s journey to the semifinals has been impressive, and they will look to continue their run in the competition. The team has a rich history in the Champions League, having won the competition seven times, and they will be hoping to add an eighth title to their trophy cabinet.