Sports

Giroud Puts Milan Into Champions League Semi-Finals For First Time in 16 Years

Olivier Giroud missed a penalty then scored the crucial goal to send AC Milan into their first Champions League semi-final for 16 years, by beating Napoli 2-1 on aggregate.

Milan arrived in southern Italy with a one-goal advantage and thought they had missed their best chance to double that lead when Giroud’s spot-kick was saved by Alex Meret just after the hour-mark.

But minutes before the break, Rafael Leao went on a superb solo run from the edge of his own box to the penalty area, before squaring to Giroud to tap home a simple finish.

Napoli, who welcomed back Victor Osimhen from injury in time for this game, also saw a penalty for themselves saved as Mike Maignan denied Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with ten minutes to go, before Osimhen headed in a late consolation.

Milan will now turn their attention to a potential semi-final against city rivals Inter, who are 2-0 up ahead of their home Champions League quarter-final second leg with Benfica on Wednesday night.

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