By Iyinola Kunle
AC Milan took a step towards their first Champions League semifinal appearance for 16 years as Ismael Bennacer’s goal earned them a 1-0 win over Napoli without Victor Osimhen in the quarterfinal first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday.
On a rainy night, Serie A leaders Napoli’s first European clash with seven-time European champions Milan was also their first appearance in the quarterfinals of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Attempting to avenge their 4-0 home defeat by Milan in Serie A this month, Napoli began pressing immediately, but the hosts took the lead five minutes before the interval when Brahim Diaz teed up Bennacer who struck a low shot inside the far post.
Napoli’s situation worsened 16 minutes from time when midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa received a second yellow card for pushing Theo Hernandez.
The second leg of the quarterfinal is in Napoli on April 18.
