Milan, March 08, 2024, The Europe Today: AC Milan showcased a remarkable performance, securing a 4-2 victory against Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at San Siro Stadium on Thursday.
The action-packed encounter saw Oliver Giroud open the scoring with a close-range header in the 34th minute, set up by Rafael Leao’s precise cross. Slavia Prague responded with determination as David Doudera’s long-range volley found the net off the post, leveling the score.
Tijjani Reijnders swiftly restored the lead for AC Milan with a well-executed low shot from Alessandro Florenzi’s pass, setting the stage for an eventful first half. The hosts extended their advantage just before halftime when Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed home from a corner, with Florenzi once again providing the crucial assist.
Slavia Prague showcased resilience in the second half, pulling one back in the 65th minute through Ivan Schranz’s fierce strike. However, Milan sealed the victory with a brilliant solo run from Leao, culminating in Christian Pulisic’s goal five minutes from time.
Despite an initially solid performance from Slavia Prague, their hopes were hampered when El Hadji Malick Diouf received a red card in the 26th minute for a heavy tackle on Pulisic.
In a late kickoff, Freiburg secured a 1-0 home win against West Ham United, avoiding a third consecutive defeat. Substitute Michael Gregoritsch’s late goal proved decisive for the Germans.
Meanwhile, Olympique de Marseille dominated Villarreal with a resounding 4-0 win, highlighted by a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Villarreal faced additional challenges as Alberto Moreno received a second yellow card in the second half, leaving them with 10 men.
The clash between Benfica and Rangers ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Portuguese champions Benfica fighting back twice. Angel Di Maria converted a penalty, and a Connor Goldson own goal leveled the score, setting the stage for an intense return leg in Glasgow.
