Olivier Giroud’s brace helps AC Milan enter UCL knockouts after nine years

Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud shot AC Milan back into European football's elite on Wednesday with his brace in a 4-0 win over Salzburg which granted his team passage to the Champions League knockout stages.

Milan needed a point in front of over 70,000 fans at the San Siro to reach the last 16 for the first time since the 2013/14 season, but they cruised through thanks to Giroud.

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The France striker netted in each half, set up Rade Krunic's header just after half-time which doubled the hosts' lead and was also involved in Junior Messias' stoppage-time strike which rounded off the scoring.

Seven-time European champions Milan finished Group E in second place, three points behind winners Chelsea and will be a team to watch out for in Monday's draw.

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