March 14, (THEWILL)- AC Milan booked their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena.
The Rossoneri dominated the first half, capitalising on a red card for Tomas Holes after just 17 minutes to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break. Rafael Leao was the star of the show, playing a key role in all three goals.
Leao set up Christian Pulisic and was involved in the build-up to Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s goal before curling in a stunning long-range effort himself. Despite a late consolation goal from Matej Jurasek, Slavia Prague, who were already 4-0 down on aggregate after the first leg, never looked like getting back into the tie.
The sending-off of Holes proved pivotal. With a numerical disadvantage, Slavia Prague struggled to contain the attacking threat of Milan. The Rossoneri were clinical in the first half, punishing any defensive lapses from the visitors. Fikayo Tomori picked up a yellow card that will see him miss the first leg of the quarter-finals, but the win will be the overriding memory for Stefano Pioli’s men.
The second half was a much more subdued affair, with Milan content to see out the win. Chances were at a premium, although Olivier Giroud came close to adding a fourth for the home side. Slavia Prague did manage that consolation goal through Jurasek, but it was nothing more than a late flourish in a dominant display by AC Milan.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
