Stade Rennais boss Julien Stephan has labelled the win over AC Milan as the biggest in the history of the club, even though they did end up losing on aggregate.
Milan travelled to Brittany with a three-goal advantage in their back pockets after a comprehensive win at San Siro, but playing away against Rennes was always going to be a more difficult proposition and so it proved to be.
Benjamin Bourigeaud found the bottom corner after 10 minutes with a fierce strike that reopened the contest and got the home crowd well into the game, but Luka Jovic’s header levelled things on the night.
Bourigeaud then gave Rennes the lead again by slotting away a penalty early in the second half, though again they didn’t lead for long as Rafael Leao made it 2-2 after a solo run. Bourigeaud would bag another penalty, but Rennes went out 5-3 on aggregate.
Stephan spoke to the media at his post-match press conference at Roazhon Park to try and analyse what was a dramatic game on the night and a resilient performance from his side. MilanNews relayed his comments.
Do you feel more disappointment or pride?
“So much pride. We took a lot of risks, but we had to recover, there were calculated risks. We had a very good team in front of us, with a lot of talent, so congratulations to Milan who deserved to go through in the two matches.”
What are your emotions?
“There were many emotions, but also many frustrations for having conceded goals immediately after scoring them. Playing in this way was the only way to win. But Rennes won against Milan: it is Rennes’ biggest victory in Europe. I saw many happy people. Maybe their second goal was a bit lucky…”
Do you have any regrets?
“No, the first leg was over three minutes into the second half.”
