AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli expressed satisfaction over his team’s performance against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs but acknowledged they should’ve scored another two.
The scoreline, according to him, could make the second leg will be ‘even tougher.
AC Milan have put themselves in the game with this result through an early goal.
In the early minute of the tie at San Siro Stadium, Cristian Romero was not strong enough in an aerial challenge with Theo Hernandez, who fired an angled shot at goal. Fraser Forster saves and then almost pulls off some heroics with a brilliant save to parry Brahim Diaz’s follow-up.
Unfortunately for Spurs, Diaz got a second bite, diving in to head home.
The difference in the match was an early header from Brahim Diaz.
With this win, Stefano Pioli’s men will go to England with a 1-0 advantage.
But this tie remains in the balance as Spurs need to score a goal to leave the tie level.
The visitors will also blame themselves for not taking anything away from the match early immediately after conceding.
Speaking with Mediaset. Pioli described the game as difficult, and the opponent fought hard, as we expected.
“It was a good performance, and we know how tough it will be in the second leg. We played the game we had to play with focus, determination, and teamwork. I am satisfied,”
While expressing delight at the outcome of what they carried out in training, Pioli noted that that had not been the case, adding that they could’ve played forward a bit more in the second half when Tottenham’s pressing fell away.
The lads played with great spirit, determination, and solidity,” he added.
AC failed to add to their tally by wasting two free headers in quick succession from Charles De Ketelaere and Malick Thiaw that would’ve extended the lead going into the second leg in London on March 8.
Milan has finally defeated Spurs for the first time after two draws and many defeats.
Since the Diavolo defeated Arsenal 4-0 in the first leg of the round of 16 in 2011-12, they had lost each of the next five meetings against a Premier League team.
Pioli pointed out that the result will boost the team’s confidence, but they have to be energetic and dynamic, as that is Milan’s way of playing.
Written by Oladipupo Mojeed
