AC Milan stumble in final Europa League group game

AC Milan concluded their Europa League group stage with a 2-0 defeat at Croatian club Rijeka on Thursday.

Already assured of top spot in Group D, Milan suffered their first defeat in Europe this season after seven wins and two draws.

Jakov Puljic gave the hosts the lead in the seventh minute by curling in a free kick out of the reach of goalkeeper Marco Storari.

AFP PHOTO / STR

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Rijeka, who had already been eliminated also scored early in the second half as Mario Gavranovic bundled the ball over the line from six yards.

Milan failed to put a shot on target, and Manuel Locatelli will miss the first leg of the round of 32 after picking up a booking.

The result was not encouraging for new Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso, who already suffered a shock 2-2 draw with Benevento in his debut on Sunday.