After Inter Milan's 2-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, AC Milan took the lead in the Serie A internal battle by beating Napoli 1-0 in the early hours of Thursday morning (13th). AC Milan have shut out their opponents in five consecutive UEFA Europa League matches, and the Milanese duo now have 11 shut-outs this season, making their defense the strongest in all of the UEFA Europa League. The defense is one of the strongest in the UEFA Europa League!
Despite the absence of Napoli's ace striker Vitor Ossenhan due to injury, they still attacked fiercely, but unfortunately, they failed to break through with many shots on goal against AC Milan's outstanding goalkeeper Mejlan. In the 40th minute, Ismaybinasha broke through AC Milan's defense in a quick counterattack. In the second half, Napoli counterattacked with all their might, but Sam Bengkusa was sent off for two yellow and one red in the 74th minute, and finally failed to break through AC Milan's "red and black defense line", and returned with 0-1.
AC Milan's defense has been outstanding, and this game is their fifth consecutive UEFA Europa League match without conceding a goal (accumulating 552 minutes), which is also the first time since the 04/05 season. Crosstown rivals Inter Milan have also gone six games without conceding in the UEFA Europa League this season, with both teams relying on solid defenses to create a good record.AC Milan coach Pioli remained cautious about advancing: "1-0 is a good scoreline, and we had a 50% chance of advancing before the game, and still have a 50% chance of making it to the quarterfinals. "
