AC Milan 2-0 BATE Borisov: Ibrahimovic & Boateng lead Italian giants to comfortable Group H victory

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Moments later, Ibrahimovic unleashed a shot from just past the halfway line but the Swede’s drive flew over the top of the goal.

The hosts were in control, with Aquilani looking particularly lively as the Italy international saw one effort crash off the post before forcing Aleksandr Gutor into a good save with a drive from the right side of the box.

But just after the half hour mark and against the run of play, the away side should have taken the lead. A lack of concentration from Mark van Bommel gifted Renan Bressan a great opportunity, but the Brazilian was denied by a great save from Christian Abbiati.

Ten minutes before the break, Milan opened the scoring thanks to a great finish from Ibrahimovic. Ignazio Abate's cross wasn’t cleared properly, which left the former Inter and Juventus striker with space to drive the ball past Gutor from the just inside the area.

The home side were still in total control after the half-time interval, creating a host of chances and Ibrahimovic missed a good opportunity to get his second of the night as he blazed his effort into the stands.

With 20 minutes to go Milan doubled their advantage, with a thunderbolt from Boateng. The Ghana international controlled the ball beautifully after an Aquilani corner before unleashing a ferocious drive from the edge of the box that crahsed off the crossbar and left Gutor with no chance.

Milan will now travel to Belarus in November, knowing a win would all but seal their qualification to the knockout stages while BATE will be looking for their first victory of the campaign.