Milan stuttered on the road again but confirmed their place in the Europa League last-16 despite losing 3-2 at Rennes on Thursday. Stefano Pioli’s side protected a comfortable first-leg lead following a thumping 3-0 victory at Stadio San Siro.
A berth in the round of 16 was a matter of formality after a scintillating first-leg performance, yet Milan had to get the job done at Roazhon Park. It didn’t start well for the Serie A giants, as Benjamin Bourigeud’s mid-range rocket missile found finished in the far bottom corner.
It took Milan merely 11 minutes to respond to the Frenchman’s opener, with Luka Jovic escaping his marker to get his free header on the end of Theo Hernandez’s inch-perfect cross. The Serbian’s strike secured a 1-1 draw at halftime, but the best was yet to come.
Rennes regained the lead early in the second half as Simon Kjaer tackled Martin Terrier down in the box. Bourigeaud was composed from the spot, beating Mike Maignan to reignite Les Rennais’ faint comeback hopes. Rafael Leao doused any ember of optimism moments later with a phenomenal solo goal.
However, Julien Stephan’s side still claimed a futile win as Bourigeaud completed his hat-trick from the spot, condemning Milan to a second consecutive away defeat after a 4-2 humbling at Monza last weekend.
Let’s look at our Milan ratings.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 7
When a goalkeeper concedes three goals in 90 minutes, it’s a bit paradoxical to give him a high rate. Yet, the Frenchman bares almost no guilt for another dismal defensive performance from Milan.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
While the attacking-minded left-back proved instrumental in attack, he struggled defensively, especially in the first half when he was up against Amine Gouiri. Grew into the contest as the game progressed!
Matteo Gabbia – 6.5
Though he barely put his foot wrong tonight, Milan fans would appreciate a bit more courage from the returnee, especially when he has the ball at his feet.
Simon Kjaer – 6
Gave away a cheap penalty and looked rusty for most of the match. Despite dominating aerial duels against Arnaud Kalimuendo, he seemed slightly behind the game’s pace.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5
Describing the Italian’s showing as underwhelming would be an understatement. Undoubtedly Milan’s weakest player today!
Yunnus Musah – 6.5
After a lively start to the game, the USMNT youngster disappeared from the field, making numerous erratic passes when he had enough time and space to pick out better options.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6
Back to the starting XI, albeit unconvincing, the Dutch midfielder failed to live up to expectations despite imposing himself as a dominant figure in the early exchanges.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
Put on an energetic performance but had nothing to show for it, with Milan often preferring to attack via the left side with Leao and Hernandez.
Ismale Bennacer – 6.5
Deployed in a more advanced position, the Algerian showcased his playmaking prowess in the first half but turned on stealth mode after the break.
Rafael Leao – 7
Blew up a golden opportunity to put Milan in front at the start of the second half, the quicksilver forward made amends with a brilliant individual strike to kill Rennes’ mood.
Luka Jovic – 7.5
Speaking of redemption, Jovic delivered an electrifying display after receiving a straight red against Monza. In addition to another Europa League goal, the Serbian was impressive when asked to participate in a hold-up play.
Substitutes
Samuel Chukwueze – 5.5
Noah Okafor – 6
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
Malick Thiaw – 6.5
Filippo Terracciano – N/A
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |