PLAYER RATINGS | Milan 3 – 0 Rennes: Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores brace to give Rossoneri the edge against Bretons | OneFootball

Europa League Playoffs 1st leg, 15/02/2024

After finishing runners-up of their Europa League group, Rennes were drawn to European heavyweight Milan AC  – who finished third in their Champions League group – for the tournament’s playoff rounds. With Milan seemingly out of the running for the Serie A title but high enough in the standings to envision a Champions League qualification, Stefano Pioli has labeled the Europa League – the only trophy that eludes the Rossoneri – a priority target.

Milan followed their words with action. The hosts dominated the early proceedings and had no real issue in outstretching the visitors’ backline. Rafael Leão smashed Steve Mandanda’s crossbar after sweeping past Guéla Doué in chesting the ball. Yunus Musah also went close after an incisive foray forward from former Chelsea man Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Rennes bit back with the ever-reliable Benjamin Bourigeaud curling an effort just wide of Mike Maignan’s sticks.

The visitors were making their way into the game until a lapse of concentration proved detrimental. Alessandro Florenzi escaped Désiré Doué’s attention to whip in a cross for the unmarked Loftus-Cheek to head in the opener – a deserved lead all things considered. The England international would be the decisive factor in this tie. In the opening minutes of the second half, Mandanda produced a stunning save to parry Simon Kjaer’s header, but “RLC” made the most of Rennes’ passiveness to head in the rebound.

The Rossoneri then put the tie to bed. France international left-back Théo Hernandez nabbed the ball high up the pitch before feeding Leão to score the hosts’ third goal. Rennes’ youthful and error-strewn defense was left exposed against players as good and ruthless as Milan’s. The gap in class was evident for all to see between an experienced European powerhouse – a Champions League semifinalist last season – and a Ligue 1 team for which the Europa League looks like their glass ceiling.

The introduction of Amine Gouiri and Alidu Seidu brought renewed energy to Rennes’ attacking impetus, with Maignan called into action to keep a clean sheet, but it was far from enough. Les Rouge et Noir have the proverbial mountain to climb for the return leg next Thursday at the Roazhon Park.

Rennes players ratings

Steve Mandanda, 4

Guéla Doué, 3 – The right-back had a horrid time against one of the most electric wingers in the game with Rafael Leaõ. The Portuguese regularly outfoxed the elder of Doué brothers. He’s at fault for Milan’s third goal and his attacking output proved minimal. Replaced after the hour mark by Alidu Seidu.

Warmed Omari, 4

Arthur Theate, 4

Adrien Truffert, 4

Benjamin Bourigeaud, 5 – In the absence of Enzo Le Fée through injury, the former club captain often dropped deep to provide his teammates the invaluable creative output they needed. Still, it was not enough against a well-drilled Milan side.

Baptiste Santamaria, 4

Azor Matusiwa, 4

Désiré Doué, 3 – The youngest of Doué brothers is full of energy and skill. However, his shortcomings became glaringly obvious in one of Europe’s grandest stages. He failed to track Florenzi before the Italian’s cross for Milan’s opening goal and was the Rennes player who lost the most balls by a considerable margin.

Martin Terrier, 3 – The talismanic centre-forward was expertly handled by Milan’s backline and barely had a sniff at goal.

Arnaud Kalimuendo, 4

Selected Milan ratings

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 8

Rafael Leaõ, 7

Théo Hernandez, 7

GFFN | Bastien Cheval