AC Milan beat Slavia Prague last night away from home by scoring three goals and conceding only one. Stefano Pioli's team, therefore, is off to the quarter-finals of the Europa League competition.
As reported this morning by Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper, yesterday in Prague, the Rossoneri secured their fourth consecutive victory: following wins against Lazio, Slavia, and Empoli, another winning game against the Czechs.
A good streak that suggests that the Rossoneri, much like last year in the Champions League, is bringing out its best in this phase of the season. And Pioli's team needs it: to consistently raise the level, especially in Europe, to nurture the dream of reaching the final in Dublin. What is certain is that after Liverpool and Leverkusen, Milan could be a serious contender for the final victory if they play with the same focus as yesterday.
Once again, Rafael Leao proved crucial in Europe. The Portuguese star of AC Milan honoured the number 10 shirt in a great manner and was involved in all of Milan's goals last night. An assist to Pulisic, a pass to Theo who then set up Loftus-Cheek, and finally, a marvelous touch to seal the deal in the evening in Prague.
On the other side, Christian Pulisic is increasingly becoming a certainty, having scored in three consecutive matches and appearing more comfortable with each passing match within the Rossoneri's tactical scheme. Together, Leao and Pulisic showed they could turn games around when Milan isn't at its best (in the first leg) and run rampant when the Rossoneri are more balanced and focused (in the return leg), as relayed via Milan News.
The only real downside, aside from the fact that perhaps a few more starters could have been rested once the result was secured, is the injury to Mike Maignan. Pioli reassured that it shouldn't be anything serious, but seeing the French goalkeeper leave the field due to a physical problem never leaves Milan fans with good feelings.
