AC Milan advanced to the next stage of the Europa League knockout phase despite a 3-2 defeat against Rennes.
After a comfortable 3-0 win in the first leg, the Italian giants encountered a tougher challenge on Thursday as Rennes fought hard for a comeback.
Benjamin Bourigeaud opened the scoring with a bottom-corner shot after 11 minutes, and Luka Jovic responded with a powerful header to level the score.
In the second half, Bourigeaud converted a penalty in the 54th minute following Simon Kjaer's foul on Martin Terrier.
However, two minutes later Milan's Rafael Leão equalised for the visitors.
Rennes was awarded another penalty in the 68th minute due to a handball by Jovic, and Bourigeaud completed his hat trick from the spot.
Despite the efforts, the Italians secured a 5-3 aggregate victory in the knockout round play-off tie.
Heading into the next stage, AC Milan will be unseeded in Friday's draw, potentially facing several seeded British teams, including Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton, and Rangers.
3-2 | ||
Benjamin Bourigeaud 11' 54' (pen.) 68' (pen.) | Luka Jovic 22' Rafael Leão 58' |
