VICTORY OVER SPURS IN LAST-16 FIRST LEG

The first step has been taken. The Rossoneri produced a spirited display to defeat Tottenham at San Siro this evening thanks to an early goal from Brahim Díaz, meaning they will now go into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie with a narrow lead. The advantage could have been greater, too, had Coach Pioli’s men made the most of their opportunities in the second half, most notably through Thiaw and De Ketelaere. Nevertheless, without focusing too much on possible regrets, it was a commendable performance in terms of sacrifice, focus and team cohesion.

This 1-0 win is very important and will only help to instill more confidence in the team following a tough recent period. The players, who will be tasked with defending this advantage in the return fixture in London on 8 March, deserve only applause tonight. The performances of the starters and substitutes was undoubtedly of a European standard, with Pioli’s men giving very little away and coming away with a second consecutive clean sheet. Now, the Rossoneri will turn to their attentions to Serie A, starting with Saturday’s trip to the Brianteo to face Monza. This hunger and mentality will be needed again.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v TOTTENHAM

THE MATCH
The team were on the ball from the first minute, with each unit working well and the lead coming inside seven minutes, courtesy of Brahim. The Spaniard was the quickest to react to send the ball home after Forster’s double save from Díaz and Theo. After conceding, the visitors got hold of the ball and pushed further forward, creating some causes from concern, mainly from set-pieces. The game was hard-fought, full of battles across the pitch, and in what was an even half our best moves came from down the left-hand side, such as the one after 39 minutes when Theo got away from Romero, but his cross was blocked and went behind for a corner, which eventually came to nothing. The second half started off with the same 22 players, and the pattern of the game was just as the first: very little space to play in, every ball fought hard for, with many tough tackles.

After 66 minutes, Kjær shielded the ball well from a dangerous cross by Lenglet, who had taken advantage of an unfortunate clash between Krunić and Giroud to get into the box. Conte made the first change of the game, bringing on Richarlison for Kulusevski, and Pioli followed suit giving Messias and De Ketelaere their chance to contribute. And it was the Belgian moments later who, after 78 minutes, headed towards goal, only for Perišić to miraculously clear off the line to keep the score 1-0 to the home side. Soon after, another huge chance fell to Thiaw, who rose highest to Rafa’s cross, but his header fell the wrong side of the post. There was a good opportunity on the counter, one minute before the end of normal time, but Leão was unable to get Giroud’s ball through under control. Other chances came to double the lead but none found the target, and the game ended 1-0: the first leg is ours.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 1-0 TOTTENHAM

AC MILAN (3-4-3): Tătăruşanu; Kalulu, Kjær, Thiaw; Saelemaekers (77' Messias), Tonali (86' Pobega), Krunić, Hernández; Díaz (77' De Ketelaere), Giroud, Leão (91' Rebić). Subs.: Mirante, Nava; Ballo-Touré, Calabria, Gabbia; Origi. Coach: Pioli. 

TOTTENHAM (3-4-3): Forster; Romero, Dier, Lenglet (81' Davies); Emerson, Sarr, Skipp, Perišić; Kulusevski (70' Richarlison), Kane, Son (81' Danjuma). Subs.: Austin, Whiteman; Porro, Sánchez, Tanganga; Lucas Moura. Coach: Conte. 

Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI).
Goal: 7' Díaz (M)
Booked: 48' Romero (T), 63' Dier (T), 80' Tonali (M), 92' Hernández (M).

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