In an exciting first leg of their Europa League last-16 match at San Siro Stadium on Thursday, AC Milan overcame Slavia Prague 4–2.
Oliver Giroud’s close-range header from Rafael Leao’s cross gave Milan the lead in the 34th minute. David Doudera’s long-range volley past goalie Mike Maignan bounced in off the post to tie the score for the Czech Republic.
Just before halftime, Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed home to make it 3-1, with Alessandro Florenzi providing another assist from a corner. Tijjani Reijnders had regained the advantage for the home team with a nice low shot after Florenzi’s ball.
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Ivan Schranz’s powerful strike in the 65th minute gave Slavia a chance to respond, but Christian Pulisic’s solo run five minutes from the end gave Milan the victory.
The visitors had looked strong early in the match, but El Hadji Malick Diouf’s red card for a forceful foul on Pulisic in the 26th minute ended their dreams of winning a championship in Italy.
With a late strike from substitute Michael Gregoritsch, Freiburg averted losing to West Ham United for the third time in a row, winning 1-0 at home.
After Alberto Moreno was given a second yellow card in the second half, Olympique de Marseille defeated Villarreal 4-0 thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Villarreal was reduced to 10 players.
The hosts took the lead through a goal from Jordan Veretout in the 23rd minute, and five minutes later, Yerson Mosquera of Villarreal scored an own goal.
With goals from Connor Goldson’s own goal and a penalty from Angel Di Maria, Portuguese champions Benfica twice rallied to salvage a 2-2 draw against Rangers, opening the door for the second leg in Glasgow.
