Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan have one foot in the next round after crushing Rennes 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League tie.
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Pulisic and Musah start for MilanLoftus-Cheek leads way with braceLeao back on the scoresheetGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was Milan's hero on the day, scoring the first two goals to ensure that the Italian giants would seize the advantage.
The ex-Chelsea man scored his first goal in the 32nd minute, breaking the deadlock during a fairly dominant Milan first half. His second came just after halftime, effectively putting the game to bed with a close-range reactionary finish just two minutes into the second 45.
Milan's third came from Rafael Leao, who had been desperate to score, and that third should seal Milan's place in the next round despite their upcoming trip to France.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The win should ease some pressure, particularly on manager Stefano Pioli, who has been under fire for results this season. Barring a Rennes miracle, Milan should be into the next round of the Europa League as they look to march on through the knockout rounds.
As for Leao, the goal will certainly be a weight off his shoulders as it ended a five-match goalless streak. He'd scored in just one of Milan's last seven games and hasn't scored outside of the Coppa Italia since November.
If the Portuguese superstar can find his form, Milan will be a tough team to beat going forward.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
Having been a bit quiet lately, Pulisic wasn't the star of the show in this one, either, with his former Chelsea teammate Loftus-Cheek taking home Man of the Match honors. Pulisic had some decent moments on the ball, though, even if he couldn't quite contribute to a Milan goal.
Musah, meanwhile, made just his second start since December and it was an impressive one. The American had a solid game in the middle of the field, completing all but one of his passes, creating one chance and winning four duels.
Overall, it was a solid shift for Musah, who made a good case for a return to the starting XI in Serie A matches.
Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS
Christian Pulisic (7/10):
Active and effective, but just lacked that little bit of luck needed to get his goal. A solid performance, though, even if it wasn't game-changing.
Yunus Musah (7/10):
Decent shift for the American midfielder. Didn't do a whole lot wrong and had some good moments on both sides of the ball.