AC Milan’s Europa League opponents Stade Rennes have enjoyed an upturn in form since the draw for the knockout round playoff round was made.
The Ligue 1 side were languishing near the bottom of Ligue 1 earlier this season, with their Europa League commitments seeming to take a real toll on their domestic form.
Having ended the group stage in second place behind Villarreal, Rennes were able to get their league form back on track and since losing to Villarreal in their last group match, the French side have not been beaten by anyone.
They have won five league games and drawn the other, and they have also managed to stay in the Coupe de France, most recently beating Gennaro Gattuso’s Marseille side in a thrilling penalty shootout that ended 9-8 to Rennes.
They have risen up to seventh place in Ligue 1 and are contenders to again be in European competition next season, so Milan know that they will be facing a very confident team.
There are some talented players in the team, such as the incredibly experienced Benjamin Bourigeaud, and the youngsters like Arnaud Kalimuendo and Amine Gouiri. The 18-year-old Desire Doue has also been catching the eye, and players like Ludovic Blas and Arthur Theate bring extra quality.
