Despite two Rennes penalties, AC Milan advance to the Eight Finals of the EL

AC Milan won their Europa League round of 16 rematch. After a 3-0 home win, they fell 2-3 in France and advanced to the next stage. Rennes were not helped by two converted penalty kicks.

In the opening ten minutes, each team had one decent chance, but none of them were grabbed. In the 11th minute, the home side celebrated their first goal as Benjamin Bourigeaud headed accurately to the bar from the edge of the box. And the drama was over.

But the French didn’t celebrate for long, in the 22nd minute winter signing Luka Jovic equalised with a header. The home side could have gone back in front. But Arnaud Kalimuendo, in a good position inside the box, headed just into the gloves of the goalkeeper.

Rennes dominated the rest of the first half, but still couldn’t score at least one goal to give them hope. Most attempts flew either well wide or into the goalkeeper’s gloves. The score was 1-1 and the game was practically decided.

Even Bourigeaud’s hat-trick did not prevent AC Milan from advancing

After the change of sides, Rennes continued the set pace and in the 52nd minute were awarded a penalty after a foul by Simon Kjaer. Bourigeaud took the ball and with a ground shot gave the home side a one-goal lead.

Just seven minutes later, however, Rennes’ hopes fell to zero again, with Rafael Leao celebrating after an individual effort. Milan clearly wanted drama, as in the 65th minute Jovic played his hand in the penalty area. And the head referee awarded a second penalty to the home side.

Bourigeaud took the ball and converted this time too, heading towards the right post of the AC Milan goal. However, it was not enough from the French for the rest of the match. Only Warmed Omari’s header from outside the box caught the eye in the next 20 minutes.

When Ibrahim Salah also spurned a decent chance in the 88th minute, it was clear that the Italian side would go through to the next stage. With the San Siro’s strength decided, a home win means AC Milan can look forward to Friday’s Europa League eight-final draw.

Source: Sport 2