Champions League: Olivier Giroud, the indestructible

French striker Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), after his goal on Tuesday in Naples, in the quarter-final return (1-1). ALBERTO LINGRIA/REUTERS

A goal, two knees on the ground and a huge sigh of relief, almost as loud as the roar of the Neapolitan fans after his missed penalty. Olivier Giroud went through all the emotions on Tuesday evening, in the quarter-final second leg of the Champions League. AC Milan, victorious at home in the first leg (1-0), won their ticket to the last four with a draw in Naples (1-1). If history will remember Giroud’s goal, the reality turned out to be more nuanced and trying for the French striker.

It was his responsibility to take a penalty awarded to Milan, after a late tackle from Mario Rui on Rafael Leão. His shot from the left found goalkeeper Alex Meret (22e). His face buried in his hands, his lower lip bitten, Giroud was not at the end of his surprises. He again stumbled on the Neapolitan goalkeeper in the area (28e). Until a fantastic ride from Leão, Portuguese blaster from Milan, who served him on a set before half-time (43e). “