Youth League: AC Milan and Braga Finish Goalless in First Leg Semi-Final Clash
Intense Match at the Velodrome Ends in Stalemate
AC Milan and Braga played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Youth League semi-final clash on Monday at the Velodrome in Marseille.
Both sides had chances to win the game, but neither could find the back of the net. The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Italy next week.
Milan Begin Brightly but Braga Grow into Game
Milan started the match brightly and created the first chance of the game when Tommaso Pobega fired wide from just outside the area.
Braga gradually settled into the game, however, and began to create chances of their own. The best chance of the first half fell to Ricardo Horta, who fired wide after being played in by Rui Fonte.
Second Half Continues in Similar Vein
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
Milan had the better of the chances, with Patrick Cutrone going close on two occasions. Braga, however, also had their chances, with Horta again going close and Fonte also being denied by Milan goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari.
All to Play for in Second Leg
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Italy next week.
Milan will be slight favorites to qualify, but Braga have shown that they are a dangerous side and will be confident of causing an upset.
Key Stats
- Milan had more possession (58%) and more shots (15 to 9).
- Braga had the better chances, with Horta and Fonte both going close.
- The second leg will be played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan on April 18.
Player Ratings
Milan- Alessandro Plizzari - 7/10
- Davide Calabria - 6/10
- Mattia Caldara - 7/10
- Alessio Romagnoli - 6/10
- Ricardo Rodriguez - 6/10
- Tommaso Pobega - 6/10
- Manuel Locatelli - 6/10
- Patrick Cutrone - 6/10
- Hachim Mastour - 5/10
- Fabio Borini - 5/10
- M'Baye Niang - 5/10
- Bruno Viana - 7/10
- Ricardo Esgaio - 6/10
- Raul Silva - 7/10
- Diogo Leite - 6/10
- Bruno Viana - 7/10
- Ricardo Esgaio - 6/10
- Heriberto Tavares - 6/10
- Rui Fonte - 6/10
- Ricardo Horta - 7/10
- Francisco Trincao - 6/10
- Vitinha - 6/10
