AC Milan, Benfica and Marseille reach Europa League last 16
AC Milan overcame a spirited Rennes 5-3 on aggregate despite a 3-2 loss in Thursday's play-off round second leg to reach the Europa League last 16, where they will be joined by fellow former European champions Benfica and Marseille. Benjamin Bourigeaud scored a hat-trick for Rennes, including a pair of penalties, but goals from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao ensured Milan were never really in danger of blowing a 3-0 lead from the first leg.
Benfica also saw off French opposition as a 0-0 draw away to Toulouse was enough to send the Portuguese side through following their 2-1 victory in last week's first leg in Lisbon. Lens, who dropped down from the Champions League into the knockout play-off round, became the third French club to go out after Freiburg fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 after extra time.
David Pereira da Costa and Elye Wahi put Lens in control of the tie following a goalless opening leg, but Roland Sallai struck twice to force extra time in Germany. Michael Gregoritsch grabbed the winner in the 99th minute for Freiburg. Marseille kept French interest in the competition alive as they came from behind to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 victory at the Velodrome.
Georgiy Sudakov stroked home a penalty early in Marseille before the hosts replied via Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's record-setting 31st Europa League goal.
Ismaila Sarr fired Marseille ahead on 74 minutes and Geoffrey Kondogbia added a late third on Jean-Louis Gasset's debut as coach after the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Last season's runners-up Roma edged Feyenoord 4-2 on penalties in the Italian capital after 1-1 draws in both legs.
Also read: 'I have nothing new to say': Xabi Alonso avoids speaking on Bayern Munich,
Read on wionews.com
