Antonio’s verdict on Milan: “It was a battle from the start until the end”
Tue 14 February 2023, 23:45|
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte described our UEFA Champions League Round of 16, first leg as a ‘battle’ as we suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the San Siro on Tuesday evening.
Brahim Diaz struck early for what turned out to be the only goal of a game of attrition with few clear-cut chances, leaving the tie in the balance as we meet again in the second leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 8 March (8pm).
Youngsters Oliver Skipp and Pape Sarr impressed in central midfield on their first Champions League start and debut respectively, with our best chances coming from the set piece delivery of Heung-Min Son in the first half. Richarlison and Sarr had efforts blocked in the second half while at the other end, Malick Thiaw headed the best chance of the game narrowly wide late on.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY at the San Siro, Antonio said: “This game was a battle from the start until the end. I think it was a pity to concede a goal after five minutes, we could do much better in this situation, but, after this, the game was even.
“Both teams tried to be intense, to make pressure. It was difficult for us to play, it was difficult for Milan to play. At the same time, we had the opportunity to draw.
“We played this game away and I have to tell you the atmosphere was incredible; the Milan supporters pushed their team a lot from the start until the end. I know for the second leg, in our stadium, my expectation is to see our fans us push us to try to overcome Milan.
“As I said before, it wasn’t easy, the atmosphere... to play against 80,000 people, not easy. I know our fans in our stadium will create the right atmosphere to have a fantastic game to try to go to the next round.”
