Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores twice as AC Milan beat Rennes in Europa League

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has scored seven goals this season, his best goalscoring campaign since 2018-19

English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored twice as AC Milan beat Rennes in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off tie.

The 28-year-old headed in their opener from Alessandro Florenzi's cross.

And he added a second with a stooping header before Rafael Leao netted Milan's third with a fine finish.

Loftus-Cheek has scored five goals in his past five matches for Milan, after only netting twice in his first 21 games following his move from Chelsea.

"Tonight was incredible at home," said Loftus-Cheek.

"I've been working on this, getting to the right position to score and it's going well now."

Loftus-Cheek is the first player to register two or more goals in a match in the knockout phase of a major European competition for AC Milan since Kaka.

The former Brazil international scored twice in the 2007 Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford - his side losing 3-2 on the night but winning the second leg 3-0.

Elsewhere, Azerbaijan's Qarabag picked up a surprise 4-2 win in Portugal over Braga. French midfielder Abdellah Zoubir scored twice for the visitors.

Angel di Maria scored two penalties, including a 98th-minute winner, as Benfica beat Toulouse 2-1. Lens and Freiburg played out a goalless draw.

Earlier in the day, Romelu Lukaku scored as Roma drew 1-1 at Feyenoord.