In a night charged with drama and tension, AC Milan’s Champions League hopes were dashed at San Siro as Feyenoord secured a 1-1 draw (2-1 on aggregate) to advance to the next round.
The match, a knockout playoff second leg, saw moments of brilliance, controversy, and a red card that tilted the balance decisively.
Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed encounter.
Match Overview**
Final Score: AC Milan 1–1 Feyenoord (Aggregate: 1–2)
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Key Moments:
- **1’ – Lightning Start**: Milan exploded out of the gates, with Christian Pulisic threading a pass to Malick Thiaw, whose headed assist found Santiago Giménez. The Mexican striker, facing his former club, buried a header past the goalkeeper to send San Siro into raptures .
- **51’ – Hernández’s Red Card**: Theo Hernández, already booked in the 44th minute for a contentious challenge, received a second yellow for simulation after a clash with a defender. Milan were reduced to 10 men, shifting momentum to Feyenoord .
- **73’ – Carranza’s Equalizer**: Hugo Bueno’s cross found Julián Carranza unmarked at the far post, and the substitute’s clinical header beat Mike Maignan, sealing Feyenoord’s aggregate advantage .
- **90+7’ – Late Drama**: Givairo Read was shown a straight red for violent conduct after a scuffle, but the result was already beyond Milan’s reach .
Tactical Shifts and Turning Points
Milan dominated the first half, with Rafael Leão terrorizing Feyenoord’s defense and João Félix missing two close-range chances . However, Hernández’s dismissal forced Conceicao’s side into a defensive shell. Feyenoord capitalized, controlling possession and exploiting gaps in Milan’s depleted lineup.
Key Stats:
- Possession: Milan 48% – 52% Feyenoord (post-red card shift) .
- Shots on Target: Milan 6 – 4 Feyenoord .
- Discipline: 4 yellow cards and 1 red for Milan; 2 yellows and 1 red for Feyenoord .
Player Performances
- Santiago Giménez: The ex-Feyenoord striker silenced critics with his poacher’s finish, but his influence waned after halftime .
- Rafael Leão: Milan’s brightest spark, Leão created multiple chances and drew fouls but lacked end product .
- Mike Maignan: Made crucial saves but was helpless against Carranza’s header .
- Julián Carranza: The super-sub’s header proved decisive, showcasing Feyenoord’s depth .
Post-Match Reactions
Milan’s manager, Sérgio Conceição, lamented Hernández’s dismissal: “Theo’s red card changed everything. We were in control until then.” Feyenoord’s coach, Brian Priske, praised his team’s resilience: “We stayed calm under pressure and took our chance when it came” .
What’s Next?
Feyenoord advance to the Round of 16, continuing their underdog story in this season’s Champions League.
For Milan, the focus shifts to Serie A, where they remain in contention for a top-four finish.
Final Thought:
This match encapsulated the highs and lows of knockout football. Milan’s early promise faded with discipline issues, while Feyenoord’s tactical maturity shone through. San Siro witnessed heartbreak, but the Champions League drama continues.