For the first time in more than a decade, two Italian clubs clashed heads in the Champions League knockout stages, as Milan hosted Napoli at the San Siro for the first leg of the quarter-final. Against the run of play, Ismael Bennacer scored the solitary goal of the evening, setting the Black and Red crowd ablaze and teasing a now-concrete Derby della Madonnina in the semi-final. So here are our player ratings for Milan who made an important step towards reaching the next round by beating 10-man Napoli with an unanswered goal.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 7.5
The French goalkeeper was decisive as ever, pulling off a string of vital interventions, including a brilliant late reaction save to deny Giovanni Di Lorenzo. He surely earned his clean sheet.
Davide Calabria – 6.5
A solid display from the Milan captain who returned to the starting lineup along with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Did well to limit Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s danger.
Simon Kjaer – 6.5
The Dane had some nervy moments, but it remains a positive performance overall. He was unlucky to see his header crashing off the crossbar.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
A commanding display at the back from the former Chelsea man who nullified both Eljif Elmas and Giacomo Raspadori. He also covered on Hernandez at times.
Theo Hernandez – 7
An influential outing from the French international who frustrated Hirving Lozano for as much as he lasted on the pitch. He cleverly got Zambo Anguissa booked on back-to-back occasions, giving his side a numerical advantage.
Rade Krunic – 6.5
While his midfield companions Tonali and Bennacer played in more advanced roles, the former Empoli man was happy to sit in front of the backline and do the dirty work in the middle of the park. Made an absolutely crucial goal-line clearance in the first minute to deny Kvaratskhelia.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
A lively display from the Italian who ran all over the pitch and got himself engaged in countless duels. But just couldn’t direct his shot goalward late in the first half.
Brahim Diaz – 7.5
While it wasn’t exactly a duplication of his performance at the Maradona Stadium ten days ago, the Spaniard was once again the main protagonist for Milan, as his brilliant run and assist culminated in Bennacer’s winner.
Ismael Bennacer – 7
The Algerian chose the perfect timing to open his Champions League account. While it wasn’t the most clinical strike, the power was enough to take it past Alex Meret.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
The Serie A MVP had his highs and lows during the match, but he played a significant role in the lone goal, and that is what matters the most.
Olivier Giroud – 6
The big Milan bomber didn’t get too many touches inside the box, but he tried to make them count. Set up a chance for Tonali after wrestling his opponents off the ball.
Check Out our Player Ratings for Napoli
Substitutes
Alexis Saelemaekers – 6
The winger had his moments after coming in as he tried to penetrate Napoli’s shaky left flank. Earned a yellow card for a not-so-friendly tussle with Amir Rrahmani.
Ante Rebic – N/A
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