Rafael Leao stole the show as he spearheaded Milan’s progress into the Champions League semi-finals past Napoli, despite star striker Victor Osimhen netting his 26th goal of the campaign.
Osimhen heads Manchester United’s striking shortlist this summer and spoke last month that it would be his “dream” to play in the Premier League as links with him moving to Old Trafford intensified. The Nigerian had netted 25 goals in 30 appearances for the runaway Serie A leaders this campaign but only found the net through a consolation header in the third minute of stoppage time - too little, too late for Luciano Spalletti's side.
Milan advanced through to the last four with Leao making the difference over the two legs. The Portugal international has also been linked with a summer switch to United, while he provided the assist for both Milan goals over the course of this tie – alongside winning a penalty that was spurned by Olivier Giroud, who opened the scoring in the second leg after Leao’s stunning assist.
Milan were aiming to remain on course for a 12 th Champions League final with city rivals Inter, who won the first leg of their last eight tie 2-0 against Benfica last week, likely to stand in their way. That would recreate another all-Milanese semi-final, a matchup which occurred in 2003.
The Rossoneri had advanced in European competitions on 38 occasions from the 44 times when they had triumphed in the first leg at home – yet they were huge underdogs in this clash, as they trail runaway league leaders Napoli by a whopping 22 points in Serie A.
Yet a curious pattern of results had emerged for Milan in recent weeks: they had won just two of their eight matches going into this trip south, both against Napoli. Not only had they won the first leg 1-0 in Milan, but they had run riot by four goals in Naples last month.
That Serie A clash had been dominated by Portugal attacking star Leao, who had netted twice. He played another huge role in each leg of the quarter final, demonstrating his class and potential.
The home side were aware of the need for a fast start and produced an intense, frenetic opening twenty minutes of knocking on the door. They forced a succession of early corners and sustained pressure, but Milan’s defence held firm.
Visiting goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved an effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who had cut in from the left and hammered a shot on target before Matteo Politano’s shot flew inches wide of goal to rattle the stanchion of the net.
Yet despite wave after wave of Neapolitan pressure, it was Milan who should have taken the lead thanks to a swift, concise counter-attack which had Leao at its heart. The Portuguese combined well with Theo Hernandez before advancing into the box and being taken out by Mario Rui, although Giroud’s penalty was saved by Alex Meret.
But that was where Napoli’s fortune ended, as they lost dangerous winger Politano and defender Rui to injuries. Already without key suspended duo Min-jae Kim and Andre Zambo Anguissa, alongside key striker Osimhen’s lack of full fitness and his replacement Giovanni Simeone being missing with a thigh injury – Napoli’s resources were being stretched to the max.
It was two minutes before the break when Milan broke the deadlock as Tanguy Ndombele, on loan from Spurs and playing in place of Anguissa who was harshly sent-off in the first leg, sloppily conceded possession before Leao pounced. Collecting the ball midway through his own half, he slalomed through several challenges and advanced all the way into the penalty area before putting it on a plate for Giroud, who did not miss from point-blank range.
Soon after, Osimhen had the ball in the net for Napoli with a clinical finish but it was correctly ruled out for an inadvertent handball in the action. It summed up a night of frustration for the hosts, who huffed and puffed in the second half but without joy.
Kvaratskhelia was the main threat but his late penalty – harshly awarded for a handball by Fikayo Tomori as he stumbled – was stunningly saved by Mike Maignan, to guarantee Milan returned to the semi-finals. Napoli will have to be content with their first league title in three decades, but may feel a missed opportunity in this tie.
Osimhen's last-gasp header briefly gave Napoli hope of the most dramatic of comebacks but ultimately it was far too late for the hosts, as Milan setup a potential last four clash against neighbours Inter.
