Hernández’s Red Card Spells Disaster for AC Milan
The seven-time European champions, AC Milan, found themselves on the wrong end of a dramatic turn of events during their UEFA Champions League playoff against Feyenoord on Tuesday. Despite a promising start, with Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah in the lineup, a 1-1 tie at the San Siro ultimately condemned them to an early exit. The decisive moment came just after the hour mark when Theo Hernández, the French star, received a second yellow card for diving, leaving Milan to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. This setback proved costly, as Argentine striker Julián Carranza, a recent signing from the Philadelphia Union, equalized for Feyenoord 22 minutes after Hernández’s dismissal. Milan had been dominant in the first half, with Santiago Giménez scoring less than a minute into the match. However, the red card shifted the momentum, and despite a valiant effort, they couldn’t secure the additional goal needed to push the match into extra time. This marks the second consecutive year and the ninth time in 10 seasons that Milan will be absent from the round of 16, a stark contrast to their illustrious history.
Celtic’s Heartbreak in Munich
Celtic’s journey in the UEFA Champions League came to a heart-wrenching end in Munich, where their U.S. men’s national team center backs, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, put up a valiant performance against one of the world’s most formidable attacks. The Scottish giants appeared to be on the cusp of a 1-0 victory, which would have forced extra time after a 2-2 aggregate score. However, with just seconds left on the clock, a moment of misfortune sealed their fate. After Kasper Schmeichel’s save, Carter-Vickers attempted to clear the ball off the goal line but accidentally struck it into his own net, courtesy of a deflection off Alphonso Davies. Despite the cruel end, Celtic’s strong showing over the two legs should instill pride in their performance. For Carter-Vickers and Trusty, their impressive displays could earn them a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s roster for the USMNT’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Panama. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will now face either Atlético Madrid or Bundesliga rival Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
Club Brugge’s Stunning Upset
Club Brugge continued their surprising run in the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo, securing a spot in the round of 16. The first leg saw the Belgian side take a 2-1 lead, and they capitalized on that advantage with an early goal from Chemsdine Talbi. Talbi doubled his tally midway through the first half, and Ferran Jutglà added a third just before the break. Although Ademola Lookman managed to pull one back for Atalanta, a crucial penalty save by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet ensured that Club Brugge’s lead remained intact. The Belgian club’s triumph is a significant achievement, marking their return to the latter stages of the competition since 1993-94. They will face either Aston Villa or Lille in the next round, a challenge they will approach with renewed confidence.
Benfica’s Comeback Victory
In Portugal, Benfica faced a tough test against Monaco, who had taken a 1-0 lead in the first leg. The match saw the Eagles trailing twice but rallying back each time. A 79th-minute goal from Nigerian substitute George Ilenikhena leveled the aggregate score, but the goal Monaco had scored in the first leg came into play. Just moments later, midfielder Orkun Kökçü restored Benfica’s lead, sending them through to the next round. This triumph is a testament to Benfica’s resilience and tactical acumen under their coach. However, the road ahead is steep, as they will face either five-time winner Barcelona or top-seeded Liverpool in the round of 16. The draw for the full round of 16 will be revealed on Friday, adding to the anticipation of what lies ahead for these Portuguese giants.
Feyenoord’s Historic Achievement
Feyenoord’s progress to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 is nothing short of historic. The Dutch club, which last won the European Cup in 1970, has not reached the last 16 of the competition since the 1993-94 season. Their 2-1 aggregate win over AC Milan is a significant milestone, showcasing the club’s renewed strength and ambition. The 1-0 victory in Milan, spearheaded by Carranza’s crucial equalizer, was a well-deserved and hard-fought result. Feyenoord will now face either Arsenal or Inter Milan in the next round, a prospect that is sure to galvanize their fans and players alike. This achievement is a proud moment for the club and a clear indication of their growing prowess in European football.
Preparing for the Next Round
The UEFA Champions League continues to captivate fans and players alike with its dramatic twists and turns. The final four spots in the round of 16 will be determined on Wednesday, setting the stage for the full draw to be revealed on Friday. While AC Milan and Celtic must come to terms with their exits, Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Club Brugge can celebrate their hard-earned victories. For the U.S. men’s national team players involved, such high-level performances will certainly be noted by coach Mauricio Pochettino. The competition is far from over, and the upcoming matches promise to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever. Doug McIntyre, a seasoned soccer journalist who has covered FIFA World Cups on five continents, will undoubtedly provide further insights and analysis as the tournament progresses. Follow him at @ByDougMcIntyre to stay updated on all the action.
