AC Milan’s Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie (C) celebrates with AC Milan’s Italian defender Davide Calabria (L) and AC Milan’s Italian defender Alessio Romagnoli after opening the scoring during the UEFA Europa League round of 32, 2nd leg football match AC Milan vs Crvena Zvezda on February 25, 2021 at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)euro
AC Milan progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League on away goals after struggling to a 1-1 draw at home to Red Star Belgrade on Thursday, with the visitors playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men as the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate.
Milan took the lead in the San Siro in the ninth minute from the penalty spot, with Franck Kessie converting after Mark Gobeljic had handled in the penalty area.
We're through to the last 16
Andiamo agli Ottavi di #UEL#ACMFKCZ #SempreMilan#UEL pic.twitter.com/rtio8Qk2Yc
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 25, 2021
But for the third time in the tie, Red Star leveled the aggregate scoreline as El Fardou Ben Nabouhane equalized in the 24th minute, with the visitors more than matching their illustrious opponents for the rest of the first half.
Even with Red Star going down to 10 men, as they did in the first leg, after Gobeljic was sent off for picking up his second yellow card, they continued to create better chances.
🗣️ The post-#ACMFKCZ reactions of the Coach, Krunić and @Meïte
🗣️ Le dichiarazioni post-partita del Mister, Krunić e Meïte#SempreMilan #UEL pic.twitter.com/LRU6QR4tss
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 25, 2021
Milan was forced to withstand late pressure but they held on to book a spot in the next round. Their unconvincing form continues, however, as Stefano Pioli’s side remained without a win in their last four games in all competitions.