Knocked out Tottenham in the round of 16
Tottenham could not turn a 0–1 deficit into a win.
Milan held tight and are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in eleven years – despite Zlatan being left out of the squad.
– I do not know why. It’s up to the coach, says Fikayo Tomori to C More.
Spurs were desperate for a goal after losing the last 16 first leg at the San Siro 0–1.
But it didn’t start well for the home team who barely created any qualified scoring chances in the first 45 minutes of the match. When the teams left the pitch for the half-time break, it was still 0-0 on the scoreboard, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Costly expulsion
In the second half, the pursuit of goals intensified as Spurs coach Antonio Conte both substituted Pedro Porro and Richarlison to boost the attack.
But the offensive move did not have the desired effect and with just over ten minutes remaining, the uphill became steeper when Cristian Romero received his second yellow card after a clumsy tackle.
– You just sat and waited for that final push. Of course, with an expulsion it will be tough, says C More’s expert Olof Mellberg.
High drama ending
But despite the expulsion, the final stage of the match was highly dramatic. Three minutes into added time, Harry Kane had a great opportunity on a header from close range – but then Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a great save.
No, it didn’t go well for Tottenham tonight.
The match ended goalless and Milan can thus celebrate the club’s first advancement to a Champions League quarter-final in eleven long years.
– It is strong and well-deserved, says Olof Mellberg about the Milan club’s advancement.
Zlatan sent a message
However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was not on the pitch, as he had previously been excluded from Milan’s Champions League squad.
The question is why.
– Was it a mistake? C More’s Olof Lundh asks Milan player Fikayo Tomori.
– I do not know why. It’s up to the coach. Zlatan has had problems with injuries in the last year and he gives so much to the dressing room, even when he is not in the squad. I’m sure he would have wanted to be there, but it’s up to the coach and those who make such decisions, says Tomori.
– Before the match, he sent messages to everyone and pushed. He is a big part of our team, adds the Englishman.
Dejan Kulusevski played the match from the start for his Tottenham.
