A Bittersweet Homecoming: Milan’s Champions League Disappointment
AC Milan faced a heart-wrenching night at San Siro as they were eliminated from the Champions League, falling to a 2-1 aggregate defeat against Feyenoord. The Rossoneri, known for their storied history in European football, were hoping to reverse the narrow 1-0 deficit from the first leg. However, despite an early lead, the night turned sour, particularly when Theo Hernandez was sent off, leading to a defensive struggle and ultimately, their exit from the competition.
An Early Boost for Milan
The match began on a promising note for Milan, as Santiago Gimenez, who once played for Feyenoord, delivered a swift and decisive blow with a looping header just 45 seconds into the game. This early goal not only electrified the San Siro crowd but also provided the Rossoneri with a much-needed confidence boost. Feyenoord, however, quickly regrouped and began to assert themselves. Their first real attempt came in the seventh minute when Jakub Moder’s long-range effort tested the Milan defense. Joao Felix, making his home Champions League debut, had his first opportunity 18 minutes in but fired over the bar after being set up by Jimenez. Felix’s presence continued to pose a threat, drawing a fine save from Timon Wellenreuther and nearly converting the rebound, which hit the upright.
Feyenoord’s Resilience
Despite falling behind, Feyenoord remained resilient. Their first clear shot at goal came just before the half-hour mark, but Zepiqueno Redmond’s effort failed to trouble Mike Maignan. Milan continued to press, and Felix was once again in the thick of things, drawing another excellent save from Wellenreuther. The Chelsea loanee then set up Rafael Leao with what appeared to be the best chance of the half, but the Portuguese forward’s effort was off the mark. The first half concluded with Milan holding a 1-0 lead, but the crowd was aware that Feyenoord had not yet exhausted their fighting spirit.
A Turning Point: Hernandez’s Red Card
The second half started with Milan looking to capitalize on their strong finish to the first 45 minutes. However, their momentum was abruptly halted when Theo Hernandez was shown a yellow card for simulation, leading to a heated debate and eventually a straight red card. This pivotal moment left Milan with 10 men on the pitch, drastically altering the dynamics of the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Milan managed to hold their ground defensively for a while, but their attacking threat significantly diminished. Feyenoord, now with a man advantage, began to pile on the pressure.
Feyenoord Seize the Initiative
Feyenoord, sensing the opportunity, started to dominate the midfield and create chances. Despite their numerical advantage, they struggled to find the back of the net until Julian Carranza’s decisive goal. The Argentine, who came on as a substitute, capitalized on a well-worked play and put Feyenoord ahead, silencing the San Siro crowd. This goal was a significant blow to Milan’s hopes of a comeback, and they were unable to muster a response. Milank Thiaw came close with a late effort, but his attempt was saved, marking the last meaningful chance for the Rossoneri.
A Night of Reflection
The final whistle at San Siro signaled the end of Milan’s Champions League campaign, making them the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs. The early lead and Felix’s promising start were overshadowed by the red card and subsequent defensive struggles. Feyenoord, under interim boss Pascal Bosschaart, continued their unbeaten run and secured a place in the round of 16, where they will face either Inter or Arsenal. For Milan, the focus now shifts to their domestic league, where they will need to regroup and maintain their competitive edge. The night was a bitter pill to swallow, but it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure.
