RC Lens, Toulouse and Rennes will unfortunately not play in the round of 16 of the Europa League.
An insufficient Bourigeaud hat-trick
Stade Rennais emerged victorious 3-2 against AC Milan (cumulative score 3-5) but failed to qualify for the round of 16 of the Europa League. Despite a heroic performance and a hat-trick from Benjamin Bourigeaud, the Rennais were unable to close the gap of two goals conceded in the first leg.
The match was thrilling from start to finish. Rennes took the advantage twice thanks to Bourigeaud (11′, 54′), but Milan equalized each time through Jovic and Rafael Leão. The turning point of the match was the penalty awarded to the Bretons in the 65th minute. Bourigeaud converted his second penalty of the evening to give his team the advantage, but the Milanese held on at the end of the match. Stade Rennais put in a great performance and showed that they were capable of competing with high-level European teams. The team can be proud of its journey in C3.
Europe flies to Lens
RC Lens cruelly lost in overtime against Friborg and saw its European dream disappear. After a draw in the first leg (0-0), the Sang et Or had a dream first half, leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Pereira da Costa and Wahi. But the Germans were able to turn things around in the second half and in overtime, ultimately winning 3-2. It’s a huge disappointment for the Lensois who had done the hardest part.
The match started at a high pace with the Germans putting on the pressure. The Lensois then took the upper hand and dominated the first half. They were rewarded for their efforts with two goals from Pereira da Costa (25′) and Wahi (45+2′).
In the second half, the Friborgs reacted and pushed to come back to the score. They managed to equalize thanks to goals from Sallai (67′, 90+2′). RC Lens broke down in overtime and conceded a third goal from Gregoritsch. It’s a cruel end for the Lensois who had had a good season in the Europa League. They can nevertheless be proud of their journey.
Toulouse falls into Benfica’s trap
Toulouse Football Club was forced to draw (0-0) against Benfica Lisbon, thus missing qualification for the round of 16. Despite an epic second half where Toulouse lacked luck, Benfica managed to qualify thanks to their 2-1 victory in the first leg.
The Violets put in a very good collective performance, dominating the second period and creating numerous chances. Stijn Spierings notably narrowly missed scoring. Benfica was feverish in the second half and suffered pressure from Toulouse. Lisbon goalkeeper Vladislav Trubin made several important saves to keep his team in the match.
