AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez believes that Mike Maignan’s late save on Harry Kane was the game-changing moment as a spot in the quarter-finals was secured with a 1-0 aggregate win over Spurs.
Milan are through to the final eight of Europe’s top club competition for the first time since the 2011-12 season – when they also defeated a north London side in Arsenal – after a goalless draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.
Theo Hernandez spoke to Milan TV after the game to try and dissect what was a dramatic night despite the goalless scoreline, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We played a very good match. Tottenham are a difficult team to face, but I think we played well. The important thing is that we have reached the quarter-finals. The Champions League is easier to face if you always stay focused. Mike on Kane changed the game. We want to thank the fans,” he said.
“We know it’s good to play in the Champions League, now we have to work well and see who we’ll face in the quarterfinals to move forward. We want to get to the top. In Serie A we have to play like in Europe, I think we play differently. The important thing is that we have passed the test.”
The main threat for Milan across both legs came down the left hand side as the French wing-back and Rafael Leao showed their chemistry on multiple occasions, and Theo knows that they are capable of being a fearsome duo.
“Rafa is an incredible player. The coach told us to play freely and that’s what we’re doing. We play very well together and I’m happy to do it. When you play like this, you enjoy yourself. We played a great game, thanks to this we’re here.”
