It was the Milanese who provided the game’s best chances, proof of Spurs’ attacking apathy. JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP
The Rossoneri secured the 0-0 draw in London and progressed to the quarter-finals with their first leg win.
Tottenham could probably have gone three years without scoring. However, only one goal was enough on Wednesday evening to come back up to AC Milan in this round of 16 second leg of the Champions League. The final score, 0-0, perfectly suits the Rossoneri who qualify for the quarter-finals after their 1-0 victory in the first leg. They reach this stage of the competition for the first time since 2012. Over the two games, it is deserved for Stefano Pioli’s men.
Too timid Spurs
In the London rain, the kick-off was postponed by ten minutes after the late arrival of the Milan bus. Tottenham supporters unfortunately could not count on a good start to the match from their team to warm them up. Antonio Conte’s men purred, struggling to hold the ball and pack the game.
At the end of the first half, they gradually moved up the team block and managed to put a little more pressure on the Milan defense. She agreed to undergo, without ever being unduly worried. Small scare on a cross from Harry Kane countered, which forced Mike Maignan to release a reflex stoppage of the foot (35th).
Milan was able to manage
Returning from the locker room, Spurs finally seemed to find their rhythm and closed in on the opposing box. They exposed themselves at the same time to counterattacks, but neither Brahim Diaz (51st, 67th), nor Rafael Leao (66th, 71st) managed to conclude. Left alive, Tottenham ended up shooting themselves in the foot with the expulsion of Cristian Romero for a second yellow card (77th).
The Milanese could slip quietly towards qualification by managing their end of the match. But paradoxically, it was outnumbered that the Londoners finally proved dangerous. Upon receiving a free kick in added time, Harry Kane placed a powerful header that Mike Maignan stopped on his line (90th + 3). Recently recovered from a calf injury, the French goalkeeper perfectly negotiated the two small opposing shots on target. The Rossoneri only framed three. Too bad for the show, but tonight it was not for them to try.