Bennacer's goal gives AC Milan first-leg advantage

AC Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Italian rivals Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at San Siro.

The visitors were the better side in the opening stages and created the first opportunity within 60 seconds, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's shot was cleared off the line. 

Rossoneri goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied attempts from Zambo Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski for Napoli shortly after

With five minutes to play in the first half, Milan stunned Napoli by taking the lead against the run of play, with Ismael Bennacer finishing off a pass from Rafael Leao after a superb run by Brahim Diaz. 

On the stroke of halt time, the hosts almost doubled their lead when Simon Kjaer's powerful header hit the underside of the crossbar. 

In the second half, Napoli piled on the pressure with multiple corners and chances, but Maignan made some key saves to Eljif Elmas and Giovanni Di Lorenzo efforts.

Napoli's efforts to level suffered a major setback 15 minutes before the end of the match when Anguissa was shown two yellow cards in just four minutes. 

Adding salt to the wound, Kim Min-jae received a booking shortly after, and both players will now be suspended for the second leg. 

Despite being a man down, Napoli almost managed to level the score in the 87th minute, but Di Lorenzo's shot from a difficult angle was spectacularly saved by Maignan, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.