Milan earns 2-1 win over Spezia

In the 89th minute, just as it appeared like Daniel Maldini had left Milan behind even further, a brilliant strike from replacement Giroud from Sandro Tonali's cross propelled Milan up to second, six points behind league leaders Napoli. In the chaos that followed his victory, veteran striker Giroud, 36, was dismissed for celebrating by ripping off his jersey and receiving a second booking.

As Milan advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in nine years thanks to Giroud's two goals and two assists on Wednesday, the France international was in a good mood. He has now scored nine goals in all competitions. Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao both had Milan attempts at the woodwork, while Tonali thought he had given Milan the lead five minutes after Maldini's equalizer before having his outstanding long-range shot ruled out for a foul by Fikayo Tomori in the build-up.