Milan 2-0 Lecce: Leao brace keeps Rossoneri's top four prospects alive

Rafael Leao scored a deadly brace as Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A and bolstered their Champions League qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Lecce.

Stefano Pioli's side reached the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday after a 2-1 aggregate win over Napoli, but their recent domestic league form left a lot to be desired.

The Rossoneri had managed just one win in their last six league games, but Leao scored in every half on Sunday at the San Siro to stop a slide against their relegation-threatened visitors.

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The win moved Milan level on points with fourth-placed Roma, who visit Atalanta on Monday, and three behind Juventus after the Bianconeri's 15-point deduction was rescinded.

Wladimiro Falcone fended off an early drive from 25 yards out from Sandro Tonali before Theo Hernandez thought he had won a penalty for Milan.

Daniele Chiffi pointed the spot after a Federico Baschirotto tackle on Hernandez, only for the referee to reverse his decision after consulting VAR and the sideline monitor.

Lecce's Lameck Banda squandered a magnificent 19th-minute chance by heading for the left post from close range, and Milan punished that miss five minutes before the break.

An inventive short-turn routine saw Tonali cross to the back post, where Leao towered over Valentin Gendrey to head for the left corner.

Leao wasted after 73 minutes, but he made amends a minute later with a fine individual run and a low left-footed drive that entered from the right post.

What does this mean? Milan avoid Champions League hangover

Milan fought back to a 1-1 draw at Napoli to secure their first appearance in the Champions League last four since 2007, and they avoided any previously common signs of a dip in form after that realization.

The Rossoneri had drawn their last two league games after a Champions League game, as well as three dead ends in their last five Serie A outings, but Pioli's side were good value for victory in Lecce.

There remains the possibility that Milan may not play in UEFA's top club competition next season, but have to topple Roma or Juve, or both, or win the Champions League this year .

Leao breaks Ronaldo's record

Leao was central to Milan's success at the Scudetto last season, attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Milan winger has become just the second Portuguese player to reach the 10-goal mark in two consecutive Serie A campaigns, after Cristiano Ronaldo did so for Juve in three consecutive seasons between 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Defensive weakness costs Lecce again

Lecce are just two points clear of 18th-placed Cremonese and a place in the Serie A relegation zone, with their defensive issues a major factor in their struggles.

They may be the only top-flight Italian side to not concede more than two goals in one game this season, but Lecce's three clean sheets mark the league's worst record.

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What's next?

Milan take on Roma on Saturday in a crucial top-four clash, while Lecce host Udinese the day before.