The Rossoneri held their nerve in an extraordinary match that was pushed all the way
Stefano Pioli was delighted with AC Milan's thrilling win over Rio Ave after a rollercoaster of emotions in the Europa League play-off.
After 24 penalties in the shoot-out, Milan recorded a 9-8 victory, the encounter in Portugal having finished 2-2 following extra time.
AC Milan led through Alexis Saelemaekers before Francisco Geraldes equalised, and Rio Ave went ahead in extra time thanks to Gelson.
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But Hakan Calhanoglu converted a 122nd-minute spot-kick to force an extraordinary shoot-out after Rio Ave defender Toni Borevkovic was sent off.