Milan supporters online were not particularly pleased with Rafael Leao’s first half display in the Rossoneri’s Europa League match against Rennes on Thursday, but the Portugal international eventually found the net after a series of missed opportunities in Brittany.
Milan lost 3-2 on the night, but still qualified for the Round of 16 thanks to their 5-3 aggregate score. Stefano Pioli’s side had recorded a 3-0 victory on home soil last Thursday, which gave them a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
The Rossoneri went behind on three separate occasions on Thursday, as Benjamin Bourigeaud struck three times, twice from the penalty spot, to secure his hat-trick.
Jovic levelled the scores to 1-1 after 22 minutes, while Leao equalised on the 58th for 2-2. Bourigeaud got his third from the spot 10 minutes later.
However, Rossoneri supporters were not overwhelmed with Leao’s performance before his substitution, which came immediately after his goal.
Several fans on X, formerly Twitter, urged the club to cash in on offers for Leao in the summer. Others pointed out that he had missed three decent opportunities by the half-time whistles.
“Leao made me want to delete my account this evening,” one user wrote.
Stasera Leao mi vuole far saltare l’account
— Lasse (@LasseXIV) February 22, 2024
Another commented: “Leao must be sold as soon as possible, understand?”
@acmilan #Leao è da vendere il prima possibile capitelo #RennesMilan
— Matteo Micheletti (@MatteMiche9) February 22, 2024
“Leao’s already missed three chances!,” a third supporter pointed out.
Leao si è gia mangiato 3 goal🤒 #RennesMilan
— Valentina R (@vale_russo83) February 22, 2024
This overrated player doesn’t even deserve high salary. Stupid Milan boards for believing he’s gonna be one of the best in history.
Leao is lazy, hardly shows any commitment and thinks he is too clever. PIOLI OUT — LEAO OUT TOO. Milan cannot afford to play with ten men every time leao is around.