In a thrilling encounter at Roazhon Park, Rennes claimed a 3-2 win over AC Milan but still crashed out of the UEFA Europa League, having lost the first leg 3-0 last week. Therefore, the Italian club progressed while giving a fresh set of worries to their fans.The game will live forever in the memory of Rennes’ midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud as the 30-year-old netted a hat-trick over the former European champions. His team may not be going through, but the former Lens player gave his fans a truly memorable night.
The match kicked off with an explosive start as Rennes took an early lead in just the 2nd minute. Bourigeaud capitalized on a well-placed pass from Baptiste Santamaria to fire a clinical shot from the edge of the box, leaving AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance. However, Stefano Pioli’s team responded quickly, pulling one back in the 22nd minute through Luka Jovic. The Serbian striker nodded in Theo Hernandez’s cross at the far post, restoring a three-goal aggregate lead for his side.😍 WHAT A CROSS THEO, WHAT A HEADER JOVIC! pic.twitter.com/5E55dTjSn7— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) February 22, 2024 The first half saw end-to-end action with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Julien Stephan’s men came close to extending their lead on multiple occasions, but AC Milan’s defence held firm.The French team led 2-1 thanks to a Bourigeaud’s penalty after Martin Terrier had been felled by Simon Kjaer in the box. But Milan needed just four minutes to strike back again. Rafael Leao went on a solo run and found the net after his initial effort was blocked by veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda. Four goals were shared on the night in Brittany – but that wasn’t the end to the excitement.Rafael Leao GoalRennes 2-2 AC MilanFollow @Korectsports #RennesMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/0R0JMx2eND— KorrectSports TV🔴 (@Korectsports) February 22, 2024 In a dramatic turn of events, Rennes were awarded another penalty in the 66th minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Jovic. That man Bourigeaud stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to give Rennes the lead for the third time in the match.
Despite AC Milan’s efforts to find an equalizer, Rennes held on to secure a respectable 3-2 victory, with Bourigeaud on song with a fine hat-trick. Still, the damage has already been done last week at San Siro, where Rennes were totally outplayed.This result puts Milan through, although their inconsistent form puts a big question mark over their season – and especially Pioli’s future.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSThursday Freiburg – Lens 2-2 (0-2)/Sallai 67, 90+2 – Da Costa 28, Wahi 45+2/Qarabag – Braga 0-2 (0-0)/Fernandes 70, Djalo 83/Rennes – Milan 3-2 (1-1)/Bourigeaud 11, 54 pen, 68 pen – Jovic 22, Leao 58/Toulouse – Benfica 0-023.00: (2.15) Roma (3.40) Feyenoord (3.40)23.00: (1.35) Sporting (5.30) Young Boys (8.00)23.00: (2.60) Sparta Praha (3.50) Galatasaray (2.85)23.00: (1.75) Olympique Marseille (3.60) Shakhtar (4.90)***odds are subject to change***