AC Milan's aspirations for another deep run in the UEFA Champions League came crashing down on Tuesday night when they drew 1-1 against Feyenoord at San Siro, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
Having lost the first leg 0-1, Milan needed to secure at least a two-goal victory to advance to the knockout stage. The game kicked off with unexpected optimism for the hosts as Santiago Gimenez quickly put pressure on Feyenoord by scoring within the first minute. Cheers echoed through the stadium, but the joy was short-lived.
The match shifted dramatically after the 51st minute when Milan's Theo Hernandez received his second yellow card, leaving his team at a disadvantage. This red card changed the tempo of the game, allowing Feyenoord to gain confidence as they sought to protect their aggregate lead.
Feyenoord's Julian Carranza made sure they would not leave empty-handed, scoring the equalizer in the 73rd minute. The visitors defended resolutely as Milan pushed hard for another goal, creating opportunities but failing to find the back of the net.
This draw marked Feyenoord's return to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. "For Feyenoord to qualify for the next round was significant. They have not reached this stage since 2000," reported by Metaratings. The Dutch club will now await the draw for the next round to see whether they will face Arsenal or Inter Milan.
Following the match, AC Milan's coaching staff conveyed disappointment over their performance. The red card had left them grasping for answers. "We fought hard, but the red card changed everything," said the AC Milan coach after the game. The manager acknowledged the tactical adjustments Feyenoord made post-red card, which helped them maintain their lead.
This elimination has serious ramifications for AC Milan, who had high hopes for the Champions League. Having won the tournament multiple times, the club is now grappling with the realities of poor performance this season. They once dominated both the league and Europe but now find themselves fighting just to find form domestically.
Milan's disappointing exit also reflects their struggles throughout the current Serie A season. While they remain competitive within the domestic league, recent disappointing results, particularly their failure to secure victories against weaker teams, have led to mounting frustrations among fans and club executives alike. They finished the domestic campaign outside the Champions League qualifying spots and now must recalibrate their ambitions moving forward.
On the other hand, Feyenoord can celebrate their victory as they have shown remarkable form, particularly in European competitions, where they demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess. The team has continued to improve, finishing second in their domestic league last year and now defeating notable clubs to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League.
This match serves as a reflection of the unpredictable nature of football, where underdogs can surprise giants on European fronts. Feyenoord's accomplishment highlights their potential for growth and ambition on larger stages.
Looking forward, both clubs are at pivotal crossroads. Milan must regroup and rethink their strategy, hoping to restore past glories and re-enter the Champions League next year. On the other side, Feyenoord must build on their success and not stop here, aiming for even greater achievements against some of Europe’s strongest teams.
With the draw for the next round of the Champions League on the horizon, Feyenoord stands ready, poised to bring their underdog story to life once more. Meanwhile, AC Milan must grapple with the bitter reality of their exit, mulling over their next steps.