UEL Knockout Play-off: AC Milan vs Rennes Betting Odds
First-Ever Meeting Between The Two Sides
Milan Drop Down to Europa League
AC Milan couldn’t quite survive the UEFA Champions League group of death. Paired with PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, the Rossoneri finished third and dropped down to the Europa League. Now, Milan take on Rennes on Thursday in the first leg of the UEL Knockout Play-off. Rennes are in the knockout stage of a UEFA competition for just the fourth time and have only progressed from one fixture. Given Milan’s storied history, let’s take a look at the AC Milan vs Rennes betting odds.
AC Milan vs Rennes
Day/Time:
Location: Stadio San Siro, Milan, Italy
Head-to-Head AC Milan vs Rennes
This is the first-ever match on the Europa League schedule between AC Milan and Rennes. In fact, this is the first time these teams have ever met in a competitive match. AC Milan are 27-10-13 vs French teams in sanctioned European competitions. Meanwhile, Rennes are 1-3-3 vs Italian opposition.
Milan Rounding into Form
AC Milan survived a second half onslaught from Napoli to come away with a 1-0 victory in Serie A on Sunday. Rafael Leao slipped in Theo Hernandez in the first half, who confidently put a left-footed shot past Napoli keeper Pierluigi Gollini. Napoli struck the post a couple of times but Milan held firm to grab all three points. On the back of a five game unbeaten run, the Rossoneri are just one point behind second-placed Juventus.
Milan very nearly qualified for the Champions League knockout stage but lost out to PSG on head-to-head goal difference. In the UCL, Milan finished 2-2-2 in the Group of Death, which was good enough for third place. So, they’ll be playing in two different Europa tournaments this season. AC Milan have lost just one of their last 12 games heading into Thursday’s match and are in fine form.
The Rossoneri reached the Champions League Semifinal last season and are well positioned to make a run in the Europa League. Olivier Giroud and Leao are key for Milan up front and Christian Pulisic has also had his fair share of moments. Milan have a few defenders out, in Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. Still, the AC Milan vs Rennes betting odds price the hosts as -150 favorites.
Rennes on Run
Julien Stephan is back for his second spell in charge of Rennes. Stephan was the man to lead Rennes to their first trophy for 48 years, when they won the 2019 Coupe de France. His second tenure is off to an excellent start, as he’s 9-2-3 in all competitions. With five straight Ligue 1 wins, Rennes are on the longest active winning streak in the league.
On Sunday, Rennes scraped by Le Havre as Benjamin Bourigeaud scored the game’s only goal in the 60th minute. SRFC are on a nine-game unbeaten run overall and they’re looking like one of France’s most formidable teams at the moment. Along with Bourigeaud, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier have provided much needed offensive contributions lately.
Rennes also brought in intriguing signings Alidu Seidu and Azor Matusiwa in the Winter transfer window. In the Europa League group stage, Rennes finished 4-2, which was good enough for second place in the Group F UEL standings. Ludovic Blas led the side with three goals but he’s out injured. Fabian Rieder is also out with a foot injury.
Match Analysis & Odds
Both teams have been at the top of their game lately, which makes this one of the most intriguing Europa League fixtures. Milan have scored 12 goals in their last five games and kept their first clean sheet for a month on Sunday. Rennes, on the other hand, haven’t lost since December and have found their groove under Stephan.
Here, the AC Milan vs Rennes betting odds list the Rossoneri as -150 favorites. Meanwhile, Rennes are +390 underdogs and a draw sits at +300 odds. AC Milan -0.5, -1 shows -120 odds but most of their recent wins have been decided by one goal. Rennes +0.5, +1 is priced at -110 odds as they go for 10 games unbeaten.
Over 2.5 goals come in at -120 odds for Thursday’s match and both sides have played in some high scoring matches as of late. Rennes also scored 13 goals in six group stage matches and can certainly score goals. Only Monaco and PSG have scored more than Rennes in Ligue 1 this season.
For UEL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
