Napoli vs AC Milan final score, result (Champions League): Leão factor sends Milan through

Rafael Leo's captivating solo assist enabled AC Milan to win the home leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarterfinal against Napoli, ending their best-ever run in the continent's top club competition and securing their third straight head-to-head victory over the Italian champions-elect.

Napoli vs AC Milan Highlights

With the deafening atmosphere they generated, the fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona were always going to make things difficult for AC Milan. By kickoff, the field was covered in smoke. The visitors were also rendered blind as Napoli sped out of the gate. Matteo Politano twice caused trouble by cutting in from the right, but his closest attempt drifted a yard wide. However, in the first half, just as Stefano Pioli's team was beginning to gain momentum, he and teammate superstar Mário Rui were forced to leave the game with injuries.

Napoli vs AC Milan Highlights

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When Leo was scythed down in the box, Olivier Giroud stepped up to the penalty spot, but Alex Meret deflected his feeble shot away. This was the game's first significant turning point. Moments later, Giroud flubbed his lines from close range once more, but superb work from Leo just before halftime gave the Rossoneri a third chance. Three players were left for dead by the Portuguese behemoth as it sprinted forward with magnificent beauty before handing the ball off to Giroud to score.

Napoli vs AC Milan Summary

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a dangerman for Napoli, was mostly contained by Davide Calabria, and the gifted Georgian had to search hard for possibilities after the break. He undoubtedly forced the issue, though, squirming twice into the penalty box and blasting over from close range before taking ownership of a pivotal moment himself shortly after.

Napoli vs AC Milan Summary

With ten minutes left in the regular period, Fikayo Tomori's handball resulted in a penalty for the home team. However, the Rossoneri goalkeeper appeared to put the last nail in the coffin of the Azzurri by deflecting the ball to safety as he fired low to Mike Maignan's right. Victor Osimhen's thunderous header in the dying seconds of an incredible all-Italian battle gave the hosts just enough time to set up a tense finish, but Milan held on to secure a tie with Benfica or cross-city rivals Inter in their first UCL semi-final in 16 years.

Milan is more capable than ever of replicating the infamous trophy lift from 2007, having demonstrated such guts and perseverance in a tough environment. While Napoli's manager Luciano Spalletti can now completely focus on converting a 14-point advantage to end the team's 33-year wait for a Serie A championship, Napoli will feel that they could have advanced farther in this season's UCL. His team will then travel to Turin to face top-six contender Juventus in another challenging match.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Davide Calabria (AC Milan)

Napoli vs AC Milan final score

Goals

• (43') 0 - 1 Giroud O. - AC Milan
• (90+3') 1 - 1 Osimhen V. - Napoli

Napoli vs AC Milan confirmed line-ups

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