Olivier Giroud went through a good load of emotions on Tuesday evening during the Champions League quarter-final return between AC Milan and Naples before Mike Maignan pulled out all the stops.
He almost disappeared. Stunned by a missed penalty in the 22nd minute (read Giroud, the historical failure – video), Olivier Giroud made the Rossoneri fear an outing through injury after contact with Lozano (39e). The Savoyard is solid.
In the wake of this little scare, the time to regain his support, the French center-forward paved the way for AC Milan on the lawn of Naples in this quarter-final second leg of the Champions League.
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Benefiting from a rather crazy raid from Leao, starting from his camp, Giroud treated a flat foot to finally deceive Meret (0-1, 43e), decisive on the penalty (22e) and in a duel with Blue (28e). Politano and Mario Rui, on the other hand, had to leave the lawn of the Maradona stadium, at the hour of play due to injury.
Napoli did not need that, already deprived at kick-off of Zambo Anguissa and Kim, suspended, nor of Simeone (injured). When it’s not smiling… Mike Maignan released the penalty from Kvaratskhelia 10 minutes from the end!
A Milan in the final?
The French goalkeeper has been phenomenal since returning to competition last month but couldn’t do anything on a whim from Osimhen. The Nigerian’s goal, scored in added time, came too late (1-1, 90th + 3).
Read also: Champions League: The ¼ finals
The Rossoneri, winners 1-0 in the first leg, are likely to find Inter in the semi-finals for a promising Lombard derby on the European scene.
