AC Milan 4 Slavia Prague 2: Christian Pulisic Brace Helps Rossoneri Take Control of Europa League Tie
Pulisic Shines as AC Milan Take Advantage of Slavia Prague's Fragility
Extended Highlights: UEL Round of 16 1st Leg, CBS Sports Golazo
AC Milan came away with an impressive 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday. The Rossoneri were in dominant form throughout the match, with Christian Pulisic scoring a brace to lead the way.
Rafael Leão assisted Pulisic's opener in the 10th minute, slotting a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the American winger, who coolly slotted home. Milan doubled their lead just 15 minutes later when Olivier Giroud headed in a pinpoint cross from Theo Hernandez.
Slavia Prague pulled a goal back just before the break when Peter Olayinka fired home a powerful strike, but Pulisic restored Milan's two-goal advantage in the 60th minute. The visitors looked vulnerable at the back, and Milan took full advantage, with Brahim Diaz adding a fourth in the 80th minute.
Slavia Prague managed to grab a late consolation goal through Youssef Nasrallah, but it was ultimately not enough to spoil Milan's night. The Rossoneri will now take a comfortable advantage into the second leg, which will be played at the San Siro on March 21.
Milan's victory was all the more impressive considering their poor recent form in Serie A. The Rossoneri have won just one of their last four league matches, and they were lucky to escape with a draw against relegation-threatened Cremonese on the weekend.
However, Stefano Pioli's side showed their mettle in Europe, and they will be confident of finishing the job in the second leg. Pulisic was once again the star of the show, and the American international will be key if Milan are to go all the way in the Europa League this season.
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