Brahim Diaz gives Milan narrow advantage over Tottenham in last-16 first leg

With a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the last-16 on Tuesday at the San Siro, AC Milan moved closer to reaching their first Champions League quarterfinal in 11 years. Seven-time champions Tottenham kept the Londoners at bay before the Spaniard headed in a rebound in the seventh minute following a great double save by Tottenham's backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Spurs, who were handicapped by injuries and bans, responded brightly and controlled possession in the first half, but they were unable to cause significant concern for the hosts. Milan, though, should have extended their lead after the interval when both Malick Thiaw and replacement Charles De Ketelaere missed wonderful headed opportunities. Richarlison, a Brazilian forward, was added by Tottenham for the final 20 minutes While they were unable to prevent their first-ever loss to Milan, they still have hope of turning the tie around and moving on to the round of eight as they return home.With all the duels, the game wasn't difficult to prepare strategically, but Milan manager Stefano Pioli was pleased with how his men played. We had many excellent opportunities to score a second goal. Although it was only the first leg, the following game will undoubtedly be more challenging, I was pleased with the performance. Prior to their matchup with Antonio Conte's Spurs team, Milan had a dismal recent record versus Premier League teams, winning only one of 17 times.

However, they rightly halted that run with a gritty performance against unreliable opposition who were missing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was suspended, and injured Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield, in addition to Hugo Lloris, the goalie, who was also out hurt.Theo Hernandez defeated Cristian Romero before launching a shot at Forster, who made a good stop, giving the San Siro fans something to cheer about right away. Diaz promptly reacted to a spectacular stop on his rebounded effort by attempting a header. Oliver Skipp, 22, and Pape Sarr, 20, gave Tottenham a footing in central midfield. Eric Dier attempted a glancing header in response to Son Heung-free min's kick, but it was blocked by Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu. Harry Kane then shot the rebound against the crossbar after Tatarusanu made a good save from Son, but a goal would have been called back for offside nonetheless.

Spurs toiled in vain after the interval, and Milan's decision to hold out for a smaller lead for the return leg in March was fortuitous. De Ketelaere missed the goal with a header after Olivier Giroud headed the ball back across the goal in quick succession, and then Tottenham was given another break when Thiago missed the goal with an equally good opportunity. Dier, who will serve a second-leg suspension, ought to have performed better with a chance at the opposite end, but the visitors may not be too upset with the result overall. "I anticipate the return leg to be another challenging game." Conte stated, "It was a hard struggle, but we should have done better for their goal. Let's not overlook,We didn't win the league last year; Milan did.