Rafael Leao Destroys Napoli Defence to Produce Unbelievable Assist Against Napoli

• AC Milan have eliminated Napoli to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals
• Rafael Leao went on a run to set up Olivier Giroud and give Milan a 2-1 aggregate win
• AC Milan will face either Inter Milan or Benfica in the semi-finals

Portuguese flyer Rafael Leao produced a memorable moment for AC Milan against Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League clash.

The 23-year-old has already put Luciano Spalletti's team through a lot of pain this year, but he saved his best inside the iconic Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Leao channelled his inner Lionel Messi late in the first half to assist Olivier Giroud and give Milan a 1-0 lead in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match.

Giroud had earlier squandered a penalty but on the second attempt, the Frenchman was never going to miss, all because of his lightning-quick teammate.

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Leao's mazy run from his own half was a thing of beauty before setting up the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker with just minutes of the first half left.

Social media reactions

Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) tweeted:

"Rafael Leão‘s assist for Giroud was one of the best I have seen for a long time!!!! If Leão can prove his qualities more often he will be one of the Top-3 players in the world."

@FabrizioRomano posted:

"Rafael Leão dancing. Top player, what an assist for Olivier Giroud’s goal."

@nealgardner reacted:

"Leao is ridiculous. One of the 2/3 best left wingers in world football."

@ZachLowy wrote:

"Rafael Leão has completely taken the game by the scruff of his neck and has provided a one-man counter-attack for Milan; Khvicha Kvaratshkelia has let the game pass him by and been nullified by Davide Calabria. Night and day so far between two of Serie A’s poster boys."

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@Dani77k added:

"Rafael Leao is a special player!"

How Milan defeated Napoli

Sports Brief had earlier reported that AC Milan reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday after Olivier Giroud struck the crucial goal in a 1-1 draw at Napoli, which completed a 2-1 aggregate victory over their fellow Italians.

Giroud tapped in what turned out to be the decisive goal two minutes before the break after a blistering run from Rafael Leao, who was once again key as Milan beat Napoli for the third time this month.

Victor Osimhen scored in stoppage time, but it was not enough for Napoli who are creaking as they come towards the end of what has been a phenomenal season.