Europa League knockout play-off: AC Milan, Sporting CP & Qarabag impress in first legs
AC Milan were the big winners as the first Europa League knockout round got underway on Thursday night, opening up a 3-0 aggregate lead over in-form French side Rennes at San Siro.
Rennes came into the first leg tie off the back of five successive wins in Ligue 1, yet they proved no match for Milan and English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The former Chelsea star opened the scoring after 32 minutes and doubled both his personal tally and his team's advantage almost immediately after half-time. Rafael Leao then put the result on the night – and possibly the tie as a whole – beyond doubt with Milan's third goal only a few minutes later.
The seven-time European champions have one foot firmly in the last 16 and Rennes have a mountain to climb in the return leg next week if they are to change that.
Roma didn't have the same luck, held by Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Igor Paixao gave the Dutch side the lead at De Kuip in first half stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku's latest Europa League goal ensuring the game finished level. Roma at least arguably have the edge heading to Italy for the second leg.
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