Real Madrid and AC Milan… The first two semi-finalists of the 2023 edition are known, and are now waiting to know the identity of their respective opponents at the end of the last two quarter-finals on Wednesday evening, presumably Manchester City and Inter Milan – for a possible Lombard derby.
THE REAL UNROLL
It took an hour to seal the fate of this quarter-final return, in favor of Real, the defending champion. Ancelotti’s team, without giving the impression of wanting to make the game after their 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu to go, nevertheless offered themselves the most convincing chances of the first period: a strike from Rodrygo on the post from Kepa (20′), then a powerful shot from Modric, from a tight angle (32′).
Shortly after the break, a counter-attack led by Rodrygo on the right side ended on the left side with a surgical pass from the inevitable Vinicius Jr to Rodrygo, for the opener from close quarters, all in control (0- 1, 58e). This same Rodrygo doubled the bet at the end of the game, benefiting from good work and a service from Valverde (0-2, 80th).
Too lacking in attackers, the Blues proved to be enterprising but powerless to score, despite two chances from N’Golo Kanté (11th and 52nd) and especially that of Cucurella, whose shot at close range was stopped by Courtois just before the break (45th + 1). Incidentally, Real reached the semi-finals for the 11th time in thirteen years. ” I am very satisfied. It was a difficult match, welcomes Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid technician at the microphone of Canal +. We managed it well. We showed defensive solidity and in the second half, we were able to be effective on the counterattack”.
MILAN TOO STRONG FOR NAPLES
Attacked from all sides in the Maradona stadium by Neapolitans on fire during the first twenty minutes, AC Milan, winner 1-0 in the first leg, turned their backs and tipped the situation in their favor shortly before the break.
A fantastic ride of some 50 meters from Leao, eliminating three opponents, allowed Olivier Giroud to score from close range in the empty goal (0-1, 43rd) – his 5th goal in 10 C1 games this season.
Previously, completely against the course of play, the French striker had already had the opportunity to give the advantage to the Rossoneri, in the form of a penalty (Leao broke by Rui). Unfortunately for AC Milan, his left-footed cross shot, too neutral, found goalkeeper Meret (22nd).
Five minutes later, the French striker, alerted in the Neapolitan area, saw his spontaneous shot repelled by the foot of Meret (28th). The Neapolitans should, in turn, have benefited from a penalty, following a clear foul by Leao on Lozano but not reported by the VAR (36th).
At the end of the game, Naples benefited from a penalty, but Mike Maignan, who started on the right side, pushed back the strike from Kvaratskhelia (80th). Osimhen’s equalizing goal (1-1, 90th + 3), with a header, which came too late at the very end of additional time, unfortunately proved useless for Naples.
