Milan returns to the Champions League quarterfinals eleven years later

The impeccable defensive work of Pioli’s men dried up a willful Tottenham but who remains in the round of 16 and without being able to see the goal

Romero was sent off for a double yellow card on 77′ and Kane had the clearest chance in added time but Maignan prevented extra time from coming

Eleven years later, Milan returns to the quarterfinals in the Champions League. After a hard decade, the ‘rossoneri’ once again feel like a great in Europe. His impeccable defensive work dried up a willful but ineffective Tottenham (0-0)who is left without the option of reissuing his 2019 final. He did it with Mauricio Pochettino, who is increasingly sounding stronger to return to London and replace an Antonio Conte certainly discussed and who due to personal circumstances does not look badly on returning to Italy.

Brahim Díaz’s goal in the 7th minute of the first leg ended up being decisive. Despite the subsequent 173 minutes without goals, it was a very competitive tie that the Lombard team won fairly. As he did at the San Siro, Stefano Pioli’s team used its foundations behind to drown out the ‘spurs’. As already happened in Chelsea-Dortmund yesterday, heavy traffic in London made contestants late and forced the match to start ten minutes late.

Despite Tottenham’s initial push, the first clear chance – and almost the only one in the first act – was a strategic play on a Milan free kick. Junior Messias’s shot, however, was lost too cross. The main problem for Conte’s men came when just halfway through the half two of their three centrals were charged with yellow cards. Romero and Lenglet played with that load and in the case of the Argentine it ended up taking its toll.

No action until the break, at the restart Brahim took a step forward and began to command the ‘rossonera’ three-quarter zone. His was the first arrival, perfectly aborted by Forster. Giroud, shortly after, also tried without success. Höjbjerg he forced Maignan to work after the hour of play and until added time he did not worry the French goalkeeper again. His return under the sticks, key for Milan.

Now without Romero, sent off for a double yellow card, Tottenham threw their hearts out and in a foul touched the prize, but Kane’s header found Maignan’s magnificent response. On the subsequent counter Origi sent the ball to the post with a ‘spur’ defense already totally naked and looking for the heroic. It did not arrive and Milan certified in London that it is back in Europe.