By Kenneth Fox
[score]
[team1]Shamrock Rovers[/team1][score1]0[/score1]
[team2]AC Milan[/team2][score2]2[/score2]
[/score]
AC Milan have defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Tallaght Stadium in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
Milan dominated the early exchanges and created a number of chances for Rovers keeper Alan Mannus to deal with.
It looked ominous for the home side because of how Milan held onto the ball, but Rovers did get some joy on the break.
Forward Aaron Greene had one of the best chances in the game for Rovers when forced Milan keeper Donnarumma into making a great save to keep them in it.
Rovers did well repelling Milan’s attack but after 22 minutes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic ghosted in between Rovers two centre backs to slot home.
Rovers continued to threaten on the break as Greene forced a corner when he won the ball from an acute angle on the right hand side.
In the second half Milan ramped up the pressure and the home side could not get out their own half for large spells.
The visiting team created a number of chances but Rovers continued to deny them a second goal.
In the 67th minute though, Hakan Çalhanoğlu had the ball played to him outside and the box and he smashed into the top right hand corner.
It effectively ended the game and despite a late surge from Rovers, Milan ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Elsewhere, Dundalk were able to progress to the next round as they beat Inter Club d’Escaldes from Andorra 1-0 away from home.