Milan took a big step towards the last 16 of the Europa League with a convincing 3-0 win over Rennes at the San Siro on Thursday. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a brace of headers, while Rafael Leão added a third goal early in the second half.
Milan dominate from the start
The hosts, who dropped down from the Champions League after finishing third in their group, showed their superiority from the outset and created several chances in the opening stages. Zlatan Ibrahimović was denied by a smart save from Alfred Gomis, while Alexis Saelemaekers hit the post with a low shot.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute, when Loftus-Cheek rose highest to nod in a cross from Davide Calabria. It was the England international’s fifth goal in his last six games, and his first in European competition since 2018.
Rennes offer little resistance
Rennes, who qualified for the playoffs as runners-up in their group, struggled to cope with Milan’s pace and intensity, and rarely threatened to score. Their best chance fell to Flavien Tait, who fired over from close range after a rare mistake by Simon Kjær.
Milan doubled their lead two minutes after the restart, when Loftus-Cheek headed in his second goal of the night from a corner by Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The former Chelsea midfielder became the first English player to score a brace for Milan in any competition.
The game was effectively over in the 52nd minute, when Leão made it 3-0 with a clinical finish from a through ball by Ibrahimović. The Portuguese forward scored his 10th goal of the season, and his fourth in the Europa League.
Milan ease off in the final stages
With the result secured, Milan took their foot off the pedal and made several substitutions, giving some rest to their key players ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash with Napoli. Rennes also made some changes, but failed to test Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.
The final whistle confirmed Milan’s comfortable victory, which puts them in a strong position to reach the next round. Rennes will need a miracle to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Roazhon Park next week.
