Milan and Everton Confirmed Europa League Spots
Italian giant, AC Milan along with Premier League outfit, Everton secured their places in the this season’s Europa League group stages following their success in eliminating their opponents in the playoffs round.
Already having a big 6-0 win in their first leg over Shkendija, Rossoneri put out an experimental side, playing mostly their reserve players combined with some youngsters to give them important experience.
The Red and Black side were still dominant early on as they showcased it by getting themselves ahead after just 13 minutes through their starlet, Patrick Cutrone, who keeps on scoring.
No more goals were scored though afterwards as Milan didn’t seem that eager to push their pace, while their Macedonian opposition didn’t seem to have enough in their attempt to trouble Vincenzo Montella’s men.
Meanwhile, Everton had a slightly tougher second leg battle as they were held into a 1-1 draw by Croatian side, Hajduk Split.
Hajduk were more determined early on as they have to chase 2-0 deficit from their first meeting defeat against Ronald Koeman’s men.
The home team’s spirited display was rewarded as they snatched one goal up just before half time break through Josip Radovasevic’s effort.
Unfortunately their spirit was immediately crushed early in the second half when Everton got back on level terms through a spectacular effort from their new signing, Gylfi Sigurdsson, straight from the re-start.
Other important results involves Marseille’s success in advancing as well following their 3-0 second leg win over NK Domzale making the overall aggregate 4-1 for the Ligue 1 side.
A bad news arrived for last season’s finalist, Ajax Amsterdam, as they can’t even get themselves into the group stage of Europa League after being eliminated by Rosenborg after losing 3-2 this Thursday.
It was a disappointing result indeed for the Dutch giant as they already lose 1-0 in their first meeting, making the total aggregate 4-2.
