A Painful Champions League Exit for AC Milan
AC Milan, the storied seven-time European champions, are grappling with the aftermath of a self-inflicted wound that saw them eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Feyenoord. The club, which has already faced a myriad of challenges this season, now finds itself focusing solely on the Italian Cup and a top-four finish in Serie A. Tuesday night’s match at the San Siro was a tale of dominance turned to despair, largely due to Theo Hernandez’s ill-advised actions.
The Turning Point: Theo Hernandez’s Dismissal
Milan’s performance in the first half was promising, with Santiago Gimenez scoring his third goal for the club in the first minute, setting the stage for a potential comeback. The team maintained control and even had a strong chance to extend their lead, with Hernandez hitting the post. However, just past the 51st minute, everything changed. Hernandez, already on a yellow card for a needless foul on Anis Hadj-Moussa just before halftime, fell in the penalty area, despite not being touched by Feyenoord’s Givairo Read. The referee, Szymon Marciniak, swiftly showed him a second yellow, leading to his dismissal. This pivotal moment not only altered the course of the match but also doused the enthusiasm of the home crowd, who had been vocal supporters until then.
The Impact on the Match and the Crowd
Hernandez’s sending off was a turning point that shifted the dynamics of the match significantly. With the numerical disadvantage, Milan struggled to maintain their momentum. Despite a valiant effort, the match took a nosedive when Julian Carranza scored a crucial header, giving Feyenoord the 2-1 aggregate win and sending them through to the next round. The San Siro, once a cacophony of support, fell into a stunned silence. The home fans, who had hoped for a dramatic turnaround, simply filed away in silence, neither booing nor applauding. The atmosphere was one of disappointment and disbelief, a stark contrast to the jubilant away supporters who celebrated Feyenoord’s unexpected victory.
The Club’s Reaction and Self-Reflection
In the aftermath, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, serving as an advisor to the club’s owners, RedBird Capital, voiced his frustration and disappointment. "We’re angry with ourselves, we’re the ones who lost the match. It’s not like our opponents were better than us; we committed suicide is the only way I can put it," he told Sky. Ibrahimovic’s words echoed the sentiment of many within the club, acknowledging that the defeat was largely a result of their own mistakes. The team’s inability to capitalize on early opportunities and Hernandez’s irresponsible behavior were highlighted as key factors in their elimination.
Criticism from Milan Legends
The criticism didn’t stop with Ibrahimovic. In the Sky studios, Milan legends Zvonomir Boban, Alessandro Costacurta, and Fabio Capello expressed their outrage at Hernandez’s actions. Boban, who won three Serie A titles and the 1994 Champions League under Capello, was particularly harsh, calling Hernandez’s bookings "absurd" and "irresponsible." He accused the full-back of cheating, emphasizing that such behavior is unjustifiable even in friendlier matches. "This is the only way he’ll learn, because he’s been diving for years. There’s VAR; if you cheat, they’ll see it. What is the point? Just keep going," Boban fumed. The passionate reaction from these icons underscored the deep-seated frustration among Milan’s faithful.
A Season of Struggles
Milan’s Champions League exit is a particularly harsh blow in a season already marred by underwhelming performances. The club’s struggles have been evident in Serie A, where they are currently 15 points behind league leaders Napoli and sit in seventh place, five points away from the top four. The fans’ discontent has been palpable, with matches at the San Siro often interrupted by chants directed against RedBird founder Gerry Cardinale. The team’s predicament was further compounded by their earlier loss to Dinamo Zagreb, which forced them into the play-offs. A win in Croatia could have secured their automatic passage to the last 16, but that match also ended in disaster, with Yunus Musah being sent off in the first half and Milan suffering a 2-1 defeat.
The Road Ahead
Sergio Conceicao, Milan’s coach, faces a daunting task to steer the club back into European competition for the next season. With a game in hand, the team must rally to close the five-point gap to the top four in Serie A. The Champions League exit not only tarnishes their current campaign but also raises questions about their future in elite European football. The club will need to address the issues that led to this season’s setbacks, including disciplinary problems and inconsistent form, to reclaim their prestigious status. As Milan fans and the club itself come to terms with this latest disappointment, the focus will be on ensuring a strong finish to the season and preparing for a more promising future.
