Champions League Review: AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur

AC Milan 1 – 0 Spurs Champions League Match Review:

Tottenham Hotspur faced Italian giants AC Milan on Tuesday night in the Champions League, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at the San Siro.

It was the Rossoneri who took control of the contest very early on in the first half. After Theo Hernandez had a shot saved, former Manchester City midfielder Brahim Diaz had an initial effort saved before finding the back of the net from very close range on the second attempt (7’).

It was almost an instant reply for Spurs. Following a cross from Son Heung-Min found the head of Eric Dier, but the central defender was unable to find the back of the net with Romanian goalkeeper Ciprian Tătărușanu making a wonderful save from close range (13’).

Fast forward to just after 20 minute mark and it was Dier who had the next opportunity to restore parity in the match for Antonio Conte’s team, but his second header flew agonisingly wide of the far post after yet another great cross from Son (21’).

Emerson Royal then had a chance from outside of the penalty area after receiving a pass into him from Pape Matar Sarr, only for Tătărușanu to make yet another close range save (26’).

After AC Milan forward Rafael Leão saw his effort fly over, Harry Kane had Spurs’ next chance to equalise just before the half time interval but his shot unfortunately went wide of the near post (45+2’).

Brahim Diaz had the chance to double his team and his own personal goal tally on the night in the early minutes of the second half, but a resilient Tottenham defence were able to make a fantastic block to keep it at 1-0 (53’).

Spurs forward Dejan Kulusevski then had his own effort blocked by the Rossoneri defence (59’).

Pape Matar Sarr was in the starting line-up as a replacement for the injured Rodrigo Bentancur, and the Senegalese midfielder was impressing. Sarr had an effort of his own with little over twenty minutes remaining, having his effort blocked by Milan’s defence (66’).

Fraser Forster, who was standing in for the injured Hugo Lloris, made a fantastic save from Pierre Kalulu (69’) before Richarlison had a shot blocked (74’). Sarr was then on target once more, but Ciprian Tătărușanu was able to make the save (75’).

Sarr and Dier both had further opportunities, Dier saw his header fly agonisingly wide of the post, but it was this time following a wonderful cross from Ivan Perisic (86’).

Tottenham were unfortunate to lose the game; they controlled possession with 53% compared to AC Milan’s 47% and had more shots (12) compared to the Rossoneri’s 9.

In order to reach the Quarter Finals of this season’s Champions League competition, Spurs will need to come from behind.

The Lilywhites have recent history when it comes to coming from behind to secure a victory. In the Champions League, a hat-trick from Lucas Moura in the second leg of the 2019 semi-final against Ajax secured Tottenham a 3-2 victory, securing a spot in the final.

In the Premier League Spurs beat Leeds United 4-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after coming from behind on more than one occasion; they know how to turn a game around from a losing position.

There is still plenty to be positive about for a Spurs fan with only a 1-0 deficit and the second leg to come at home.

The second leg is set to be very exciting, as Spurs look to complete yet another stunning comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. There is no better way to experience the occasion than with one of Eventmasters’ Spurs v AC Milan VIP Hospitality Packages! Do not miss out, our packages are selling very quickly!

Our Spurs tickets and hospitality packages are available for all upcoming Spurs home matches at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this 2022/23 Premier League season.
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