Europa League round-up: Milan in control against Rennes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored twice as AC Milan triumphed 3-0 over Rennes in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

The England international continued his fine recent form in front of goal with strikes in the 32nd and 47th minutes, with Rafael Leao adding a third in the 52nd minute.

Milan, who finished third in their Champions League group, have one foot in the last 16 ahead of next week's second leg.

There was a big away win for Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, who defeated Braga 4-2 in Portugal.

Marko Jankovic opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot midway through the first half, but Simon Branza levelled matters just before the break.

However, Qarabag were not to be denied and Abdellah Zoubir scored twice either side of a goal from Juninho before Joao Moutinho grabbed a late second for Braga from the penalty spot.

It was a better night for the other Portuguese sides, with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica both winning.

Sporting will fancy their chances of going through after beating Young Boys 3-1 away from home.

An own goal from Aurele Amenda was followed by a penalty from Viktor Gyokeres, before Young Boys pulled one back just ahead of the half-time whistle through Filip Ugrinic.

Goncalo Inacio restored the two-goal advantage three minutes after the restart and Young Boys finished with 10 men after Mohamed Ali Camara was sent off late on.

Benfica still have work to do against Toulouse after snatching a very late 2-1 victory courtesy of two Angel Di Maria penalties.

The first was cancelled out by Mikkel Desler, but the second came eight minutes into stoppage time after Christian Mawissa was shown a red card.

Both sides finished with 10 men as Galatasaray defeated Sparta Prague 3-2 in Istanbul.

Kerem Demirbay scored