Milan –
AC Milan convincing 3-0 win over Rennes. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a brace while another Rossoneri goal came from Rafael Leao.
Milan host Rennes at the San Siro in the first leg of the knockout phase playoff Europa League, Friday (16/2). The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the 32nd minute.
After the break, the Rossoneri scored two goals. Loftus-Cheek scored a brace after scoring his second goal in the 47th minute. Rafael Leao then put Milan ahead in the 53rd minute.
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Stefano Pioli’s troops closed the match with a 3-0 win. This result is valuable capital for Milan ahead of the second leg.
Milan is one step away from qualifying for the last 16. They only need to not lose by more than three goals at home to Rennes in the second leg to continue advancing in this event.
The Course of the Match
Milan was in control of the match from the start of the first half. The hosts almost opened the scoring in the 6th minute. However, Rafael Leao’s shot still hit the crossbar.
Milan could break the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed a cross from the right. His header went into the left corner of the Rennes goal.
Olivier Giroud has the opportunity to double Milan’s lead. His efforts have not yet borne fruit.
The score 1-0 for Milan’s advantage lasted until the first half ended.
Milan immediately scored a goal two minutes into the second half. Loftus-Cheek put his name on the scoreboard again.
Theo Hernandez’s corner kick at the near post was headed by Simon Kjaer. Kjaer’s header was blocked by Steve Mandanda. Loftus-Cheek headed the ball straight into a goal.
Milan took a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute. Six minutes later Milan scored another goal.
Theo and Rafael Leao’s collaboration dismantled Rennes’ defense line. Leao grabbed Theo’s bait and turned it into a goal.
The score changed to 3-0 for Milan in the 53rd minute.
Behind by three goals, Rennes tried to attack to reduce the gap. Mike Maignan, however, performed brilliantly to thwart the visitors’ chances. He made two saves from Amine Gouri and Baptiste Santamaria.
There were no additional goals in the remaining match. Milan closed the 90 minutes with a 3-0 win.
Watch the video “The moment Milan players went on strike after Maignan became a victim of racism”
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