AC Milan 1-0 Girona: Rafael Leao scores as Milan edge closer to the last 16

Rafael Leao’s first-half goal was enough for AC Milan to beat Girona and move closer to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Portugal forward Leao latched on to Ismael Bennacer’s through ball, cut inside the box and unleashed a ferocious strike into the top corner for the game’s only goal.

Bryan Gil had the ball in the net for the Spanish visitors just before the hour, but his sublime strike from the edge of the box was ruled offside.

Leao had a chance to add to his tally in the 65th minute, but his right-footed curling shot went wide of goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s post.

Italian Milan are sixth in the table with 15 points and occupy one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the last 16, with a trip to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb next week.

La Liga side Girona have three points and are unable to qualify for the playoffs.