- Pulisic scores in first half
- Earns assist on Leao goal
- Milan through to quarterfinals
GettyChristian Pulisic is ready for USMNT duty! American star scores 11th of campaign as Milan dominate Slavia Prague to advance in Europa League
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Heading into the match, Milan had already amassed a 4-2 lead in the first leg. All they would need to do was protect that advantage and they'd be through to the next round of the Europa League. No need for chaos and no need for risks.
Chaos, though, came for them.
Mike Maignan was forced out early with an injury, while Davide Calabria also was removed due to an injury after a nasty tackle. That tackle earned Slavia Prague's Tomas Holes a red card in the 20th minute, opening the door for Milan to put the game away.
Pulisic did just that with his 33rd-minute goal, his second of the two-legged tie. After receiving a pass from Rafael Leao, Pulisic wiggled the ball onto his left and picked out the far corner, putting the game out of reach.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek's strike just a few minutes later only further solidified Milan's spot. Rafael Leao's stunner just before halftime, meanwhile, was mostly one for the highlight reels as the Rossoneri ran away as 3-1 winners on the day and 7-3 winners on aggregate.
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The win sees Milan through to the Europa League quarterfinals, which will be played on April 11 and 18. The Italian side will find out their next opponent on Friday when UEFA completes the draw for the next round.
The Europa League is Milan's best chance at winning a trophy, having fallen 16 points behind Serie A leaders Inter in their domestic league.
Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT
Pulisic is in fantastic form for Milan, with Thursday's goal adding just another to his ever-growing tally so far this season.
With the goal, Pulisic now has 11 in all competitions, with three coming in the Europa League. He also has seven assists in all competitions this season as he approaches the 20-goal contribution mark in his first season in Milan. The goal was also something of a milestone for the American as it was the 100th goal contribution of his career.
Pulisic will understandably be confident heading toward the international break. The U.S. men's national team will face Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal, and they'll be led by an in-form Pulisic, who has shaken off any doubts over his ability following his Chelsea struggles.
His USMNT teammate, Yunus Musah, meanwhile, also had a good runout. The American had a solid shift in midfield, and he too is expected to play a big part against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Christian Pulisic (8/10):
A fantastic finish from a player who is clearly in-form. Was credited with an assist, too, on Leao's goal, although the Portuguese star did most of the heavy lifting there!
Yunus Musah (7/10):
Was fantastic in the midfield, completing 95 percent of his passes while also winning seven of eight duels in the center of the park. Overall, a strong shift on both sides of the ball from a player that is growing week by week.
Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT?
Milan have one more match before players jet off for the international break, with both Pulisic and Musah set to join up with the USMNT. Before that, though, Milan will visit Verona in Serie A as they look to keep hold of the second spot on the table.