Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored two headers and Rafael Leão added a third as AC Milan recorded a convincing 3-0 home victory over French side Stade Rennais in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs on Thursday.
Milan, who dropped to the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group, could have achieved an even more convincing victory if not for desperate defending, but will still take a comfortable lead in the second leg in the next week.
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Loftus-Cheek guided Alessandro Florenzi's cross into the net for Milan's first goal in the 32nd minute and reacted quicker two minutes into the second half with a diving header after the French club's veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda deflected a shot.
Leão played a clever one-two with Theo Hernández to make it 3-0 in the 52nd minute as Milan dominated the clash at San Siro.
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There was a surprise away win for Azerbaijan's Qarabag as they recorded a 4-2 win in Braga in Portugal to give themselves every chance of reaching the last 16.
In the other final matches, Argentine striker Ángel di María converted two penalties as Benfica beat French side Toulouse 2-1 and Lens' home clash against German side Freiburg ended goalless.
