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Match Reports

UEFA Europa League Return Leg Recap

UEFA Europa League Return Leg Recap

Match Reports
Publish on 02/22 at 21:30 - E. RAZO

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Several Ligue 1 sides played their second leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off at the early kick-off time Here's a look at their performances as they aimed to secure passage to the Round of 16.

AC Milan 2-3 Stade Rennais (5-3 on aggregate) 


Rennes came out of the gate looking to pull off a comeback. Benjamin Bourigeaud opened the scoring for the Ligue 1 side in the 11th minute, but AC Milan responded in the 22nd minute with a goal from Luka Jović. 


In the second half, Bourigeaud would register his brace, scoring on a penalty kick in the 54th minute to cut the aggregate deficit, but again, the Serie A team would respond as Rafael Leão scored four minutes later. 


Bourigeaud completed his hat-trick with another penalty kick goal, offering his team a glimmer of hope for a comeback, but ultimately, it fell short. Rennes got the win at home, but their Europa League campaign came to an end. 


Benfica 0-0 Toulouse (2-1 on aggregate)


Toulouse's attack did their best to level the aggregate at home, as the squad recorded 16 total shots with six on target over the 90 minutes, and their defense also played a significant role in limiting Benfica to one shot on target. 


Still, it wasn't enough to find a goal or two, with the contest ending in a scoreless draw. The result sees Benfica advance while Toulouse's Europa League tournament is over. 


SC Freiburg 3-2 RC Lens (3-2 on aggregate) 


After a scoreless draw in the first leg, Lens and Freiburg registered goals in a tightly contested return match. The French club raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from David Costa and Elye Wahi. Freiburg responded with two goals in the second half, with the game-tying goal from the German side coming in stoppage time. 


With the aggregate score level at two, the matchup went to extra time, and Freiburg would register their third unanswered goal. After having a two-goal advantage, Lens' Europa League campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion. 


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