Simon Kjaer played a key role in containing the Napoli attackers, with Victor Osimhen in particular kept largely quiet until he popped up with a header in stoppage time to make it 1-1. Despite conceding at the death, Milan valiantly held strong throughout the two legs, thanks to their defensive prowess, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory at the end.
Coupled with captain Davide Calabria to man the right-hand side of the pitch, Kjaer revealed what helped stop Osimhen in his tracks in an exclusive interview with Mediaset Infinity (via MilanNews).
“We felt we would be able to play our game against them. We scored even though Napoli are very strong. The Champions League is strange. A few moments change matches. I always try to help my teammates. Today we doubled up on the right and I was able to control Osimhen.”
Calabria executed the most tackles (five) in the match, and Kjaer perfectly complemented the Italian right-back to keep not only Osimhen, but also Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at bay. The Nigerian star only recently returned from injury, but could do only so much against a Rossoneri backline hellbent on securing a first UCL semi-final spot since the 2006/07 title-winning season.
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