There were some who thought AC Milan had dodged a bullet when they drew Stade Rennais in the Europa League play-off round, but since the tie was confirmed they have been in sensational form.
The team coached by Julien Stéphan have been perfect so far in 2024, having won every game. The list includes victories in the French Cup against Guingamp, Marseille and Sochaux, plus league wins over OGC Nice, Lyon and Montpellier.
Last night, Rennes became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the cup thanks to the resounding 6-1 win inflicted on Souchaux, although they are fourth in Ligue 3, the French third division.
It was 4-0 at half-time with Gouiri, Salah and Kalimuendo (x2) each netting. In the second half Gouiri also got his second and then the centre-back Bourigeaud rounded off the scoring.
That was their sixth victory out of six games played in 2024, which becomes seven consecutive victories when including the one in the league against Clermont before Christmas.
These results are allowing Rennes to move up the table. When the draw was made, they had won just three of their opening 16 league games, putting them in a bit of relegation trouble. They are now ninth with 28 points.
On Sunday 11 February, Rennes will face Le Havre for the 21st round of Ligue 1 and then on Thursday 15 February the first leg of the Europa League play-offs against the Rossoneri at San Siro arrives, with the return leg a week later.
It’s rennes. I’m not gonna say it’s gonna be an easy match but Milan should win this low dif.
The name will do half the work. Our guys just need to live up to it.