AC Milan vs Spurs Highlights: Brahim Diaz's early goal sinks Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan take lead in first leg

AC Milan vs Spurs Highlights: MIL vs TOT Highlights: UCL Round Of 16 Highlights: With a 1-0 victory over 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. After Fraser Forster, Tottenham’s backup goalkeeper, made two outstanding saves in the seventh minute to keep the Londoners at bay, Brahim Diaz headed in a rebound to give the seven-time champions the lead. Follow UEFA Champions League 2023 Updates with InsideSport.IN.

UCL Round Of 16: From UCL fixtures to format, All you need to know as Europe’s BIGGEST football competition resumes…

Premier League: Big BLOW for Tottenham Hotspurs, Rodrigo Bentancur RULED OUT for season…

AC Milan vs Spurs Highlights: Brahim Diaz’s early goal sinks Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan take narrow lead at home in first leg – Check Highlights

Ismael Bennacer and Fikayo Tomori are still out injured for AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli, although they might return for the second leg. Mike Maignan, the team’s first-choice goalie, is still out. For Tottenham, Following knee surgery, Hugo Lloris and Rodrigo Bentancur will both be sidelined for the duration of the season. Bentancur is replaced in midfield by Pape Sarr, and Cristian Romero has returned after serving a Premier League suspension. Since Yves Bissouma is also injured, Oliver Skipp starts in place of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is suspended.

Spurs, who were handicapped by injuries and suspensions, responded brightly and controlled possession in the first half, but they were unable to cause serious concern for the hosts. After the break, Milan should have expanded their lead but replacement Charles De Ketelaere and defender Malick Thiaw both missed glorious headed opportunities.

Although Tottenham couldn’t avoid suffering their first-ever loss to Milan, they added Brazilian attacker Richarlison for the final 20 minutes, and they will go home with the possibility of turning the match around and moving on to the round of eight. Prior to their matchup with Antonio Conte’s Spurs team, Milan had a dismal recent record versus Premier League clubs, winning only one of 17 times.

AC Milan vs Spurs Highlights: Brahim Diaz’s early goal sinks Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan take narrow lead at home in first leg – Check Highlights

However, when up against unreliable opposition that lacked the services of injured midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, suspended goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, and suspended midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, they rightly halted that streak with a tenacious performance. Theo Hernandez defeated Cristian Romero before launching a shot at Forster, who made a good stop, giving the San Siro crowd something to cheer about right away.

Diaz immediately reacted to head in a header after his rebounded shot was also beautifully saved. Tottenham did acquire a foothold thanks to the presence of 20-year-old Pape Sarr and 22-year-old Oliver Skipp in the centre of 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.

AC Milan vs Spurs Highlights: Brahim Diaz’s early goal sinks Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan take narrow lead at home in first leg – Check Highlights

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 anyhow. 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.

In the space of a few minutes, Olivier Giroud headed the ball back across goal, setting for De Ketelaere to head wide. Then, Tottenham was given another reprieve when Thiaw missed the goal with an equally favourable opportunity. The visitors may not have many complaints about the final score, even though Dier, who will be suspended for the second leg, should have performed better with a chance at the other end.