Rennes 3-2 Milan: Rossoneri qualify for knockout despite loss in second leg
AC Milan held off a stirring comeback by Rennes to book their place in the Europa League last 16.
The Italian side looked to have the job done after last week’s 3-0 first-leg win at the San Siro, but the Ligue 1 outfit gave them a scare on home soil, with Benjamin Bourigeaud’s hat-trick sealing a 3-2 victory in the second leg.
Milan goals from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao proved pivotal as they secured a 5-3 aggregate win to go into the hat for Friday’s draw.
Into the Last 16! #UEL #SRFCACM #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/AtpBO04MWS
— AC Milan (@acmilan" >@acmilan) February 22, 2024
Rennes knew they would have to make early inroads into their deficit if they were to have any chance of repairing the damage from a harrowing night in Milan last week.
And they enjoyed the dream start as they went ahead in the 10th minute.
Bourigeaud received the ball in the centre of the pitch, took a touch and then drilled a scorching low effort into the bottom corner.
Milan were able to weather the early storm and got a crucial leveller in the 21st minute to restore their three-goal advantage.
Tijjani Reijnders burst forward and teed up Theo Hernandez to send in an inviting cross which an unmarked Jovic powered home with his head.
The hosts came again and thought they had made it 2-1 soon after but Arnaud Kalimuendo’s effort hit Mike Maignan without the Milan goalkeeper knowing too much about it.
Benjamin Bourigeaud scored a hat-trick for Rennes but it was in vain
The French side did go back in front in the 54th minute when Bourigeaud got his second of the match, converting from the penalty spot after Martin Terrier had been fouled by Simon Kjaer.
But they were again pegged back four minutes later as Milan made it 2-2 thanks to a fine Leao strike, the
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
