Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored two goals for AC Milan, putting them in a strong position to advance to the UEFA Europa League round-of-16.
Rafael Leao added to Rennes‘ misery by scoring a third goal, leaving them with a difficult task in the second leg next week. Milan dominated the game from the start, with Leao, Tijjani Reijnders, and Yunus Musah all coming close to scoring.
Loftus-Cheek opened the scoring just after the 30-minute mark with two confident headers, bringing his total to six goals in eight games against Rennes. Leao’s goal effectively sealed the victory for Milan.
Rennes’ substitute striker, Amine Gouiri, injected some energy into the French team during the last 20 minutes of the match. His performance might have earned him a spot in the starting lineup for the next game.
However, Rennes will require more than just Gouiri’s contribution as they were thoroughly outplayed by Milan. In fact, Milan could have scored even more goals if their coach, Stefano Pioli, hadn’t decided to give some of his key players a rest. This decision was made because Milan currently trails Inter, the Serie A leaders, by eight points.
Next Sunday, they will face Monza before welcoming fourth-placed Atalanta a week later. However, they might have a better chance to prepare for that game if Pioli can rotate his squad in the return leg against Rennes.
Additionally, Pioli received a boost as Malick Thiaw returned from a hamstring injury after being on the substitute’s bench for two months. Thiaw’s return will help alleviate Milan’s defensive injury crisis.
