Milan Qualifies for the Round of 16 in the Europa League

Milan secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League despite losing 3-2 to Stade Rennais. The French team needed a three-goal margin from Benjamin Bourigeaud, but Milan won 5-3 on aggregate over the two matches on Thursday. The French hosts faced a tough challenge after losing 3-0 in the first leg, but they started the match with aggressive attacking play amidst the rain. Bourigeaud scored an early goal in the 11th minute, giving Rennes a glimmer of hope, but Luka Jovic equalized with a powerful header. Bourigeaud restored Rennes' lead with a penalty nine minutes into the second half, but Rafael Leão leveled the score again in the 58th minute. Rennes was awarded a second penalty in the 68th minute after Jovic handled the ball in the area, allowing Bourigeaud to complete his hat-trick.