Feyenoord Knocks Out Milan to Reach Champions League Last 16
Feyenoord became the latest team to secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16, following a home victory and a 1-1 draw at the San Siro.
Milan needed less than a minute to equalize on aggregate. The hosts played a corner on the right flank, with Felix delivering the cross, Thiago flicking it along the goal line, and Gimenez heading the ball past the Feyenoord goalkeeper in a tussle with an opponent. The goal sparked the hosts into action, and before halftime, Milan had full control of the match. However, their finishing lacked quality, with Leão's crosses from the left not finding any takers, and Felix's attempts thwarted by the goalkeeper. Theo Hernandez came close to giving Milan the lead, but his shot hit the post.
Hernandez became a key figure again in the second half, though not for the best reasons. In the 51st minute, he dramatically fell in the box without any real contact — a situation confirmed by video review. The yellow card was clear, but unfortunately for Milan, it was his second, leading to an immediate red card.
This turn of events played into Feyenoord's hands. The visitors gradually gained control of the match, frequently sending crosses into the box from the left. Their pressure paid off in the 73rd minute, when Carranza rose to head home a cross, leveling the score at 1-1 on the night.
Milan tried to force extra time, but in truth, they failed to create any real danger in front of the Feyenoord goal. The visitors had a few opportunities to counterattack, but also couldn't capitalize. In the end, a draw was enough for Feyenoord to advance.
Feyenoord will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the Round of 16, while Milan's European season has come to an end.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
AC Milan - Feyenoord 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Gimenez S., 1 (1:0); Carranza, 73 (1:1)
AC Milan: Maignan; Pavlović S.; Walker; Theo Hernández (till 51); Musah Y. (Chukwueze, 83); Reijnders (Abraham T., 83); Thiaw; Félix J.; Pulisic (Bartesaghi, 63); Rafael Leão; Gimenez S. (Fofana Y., 71)
Bench: Sportiello; Torriani; Tomori; Gabbia; Terracciano F.; Camarda
Yellow Cards: Theo Hernández 44, 51; Félix J. 76
Red cards: Theo Hernández 51'
Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Beelen; Hancko; Read; Smal; Moder; Milambo; Hadj Moussa (Mitchell, 87); Bueno H. (Stengs, 75); Paixao; Redmond Z. (Carranza, 63)
Bench: Andreev P.; 't Zand; Ivanusec; Osman I.
Yellow Cards: Moder 22; Mitchell 90