Olivier Giroud missed a penalty then scored the crucial goal to send AC Milan into their first Champions League semi-final for 16 years, by beating Napoli 2-1 on aggregate.

Victor Osimhen’s late goal for Napoli was not enough as AC Milan progressed to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2007.

Napoli looked to suffocate Milan from the first whistle, Luciano Spalletti’s side fired in cross after cross and didn’t allow their opponents time on the ball when they had it, pressing Milan with intensity and aggression, Eurospot reports.

Milan began to pose a threat on the counter-attack and in the 20th minute they won a penalty. Rafael Leao found space in the penalty area and as he threaded a ball into Brahim Diaz he was taken out by compatriot Mario Rui.

But Olivier Giroud could only fire a tame effort which Alex Meret was equal to.

Just five minutes later, Milan and Giroud had another huge chance. The French forward brought the ball under his spell in the area before firing an effort on goal which Meret saved well with his legs.

Milan did however take the lead just a couple of minutes before half-time, thanks to some magic from Leao.

Related News

The Portuguese international picked the ball up deep in his own half, used his pace to get away from Tanguy Ndombele, before skipping past two Napoli defenders and finding Giroud, who was on hand for a tap-in.

Napoli emerged for the second-half in the same fashion as the first, looking to play with high intensity to break down the stubborn Milan defence. Stefano Pioli’s side dug in and defended expertly, they had just 26% possession in the second period but limited Napoli to very little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

Napoli were offered a lifeline in the 82nd minute when Fikayo Tomori handled in the area and conceded a penalty.

However, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stepped up and saw his effort brilliantly saved by Mike Maignan.

Osimhen was on hand to fire home a bullet header in the dying seconds to equalise on the night but it was too little too late as AC Milan advanced.

Milan will now turn their attentions to a potential semi-final against city rivals Inter, who are 2-0 up ahead of their home Champions League quarter-final second leg with Benfica on Wednesday night.