AC Milan advances to Champions League semis despite Napoli draw
Giroud's goal proves decisive as Rossoneri hold on for 2-1 aggregate win
Olivier Giroud's first-half penalty proved to be the difference as AC Milan held on for a 1-1 draw at Napoli on Tuesday night, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Rossoneri had taken a slender lead into the second leg thanks to Giroud's header in the first leg at the San Siro. And the Frenchman put Milan in control of the tie once again when he converted a penalty after just 22 minutes in Naples.
Napoli responded well to the setback and deservedly levelled the match through Hirving Lozano's header on the stroke of half-time. But Milan defended resolutely in the second half and held on to their advantage to reach the last four of the competition for the first time since 2007.
The result is a major boost for Milan, who have endured a difficult season domestically. They are currently seventh in Serie A, but their run to the Champions League semi-finals has given fans something to cheer about.
Milan will now face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the semi-finals. The first leg of that tie will be played on April 25, with the second leg taking place on May 2.
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