AC Milan is gearing up for their Champions League playoffs against Feyenoord, with the first leg set to commence on February 12, 2025, at the iconic De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam. This match marks the first encounter between these teams since the 1969/70 European Cup, highlighting not only the historic rivalry but also the stakes involved, as the winner will secure a spot in the Round of 16.
Both teams come to this match with varying backstories. AC Milan, under the leadership of coach Sergio Conceiçao, aims to reclaim their standing following mixed results during the group stage. Young talents, including Santiago Gimenez, who recently transferred from Feyenoord, will be key players to watch. Gimenez, having made headlines with his debut goal for Milan against Empoli, faces his former team, injecting additional intrigue to this fixture.
"Con Gimenez ho parlato del lavoro sul campo, sul piano emozionale c'è un sentimento normale, da ex. Durante la partita finisce tutto e penserà a fare il suo lavoro," remarked Conceiçao, emphasizing the emotional weight of facing his former club.
The matchup against Feyenoord presents both challenges and opportunities for Milan. After the recent sacking of their coach Brian Priske, Feyenoord has appointed Pascal Bosschaart as interim manager. This change could act as either motivation or disruption for the Dutch team, known for their passionate support and competitive spirit, particularly on home soil.
"E' vero, con la Dinamo non è stata una bella partita. Ora pensiamo al Feyenoord, contro le squadre olandesi le partite sono storicamente difficili," Conceiçao added, underscoring the tough nature of playing against Dutch teams, particularly at De Kuip, which is notoriously hard for visiting squads.
Recent performances have illustrated Feyenoord's tumultuous season; they were knocked out of the domestic cup by PSV and faced significant challenges in maintaining consistency. Currently sitting 5th in the Eredivisie, they find themselves three points adrift of third-placed Utrecht, yet still trailing league leaders PSV and Ajax considerably.
The performance metrics paint a concerning picture for Feyenoord’s defense—having the poorest record among playoff teams with 21 goals conceded, they enter this bout with questions about their tactical resilience. This disparity can be capitalized on by the likes of Milan's offense, which has been improving due to the influx of new signings like Joao Felix and solid performances from established players.
Underlining the significance of this playoff, Conceiçao stated, "Siamo qui per colpa nostra, potevamo essere agli ottavi. Vogliamo assumerci la responsabilità e vincere domani." These sentiments reflect the urgency and responsibility felt by the Milan players as they aim to secure their place among Europe’s elite.
On the tactical side, Milan is expected to adopt their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Conceiçao may start with all four of their attacking talents—Leao, Pulisic, and Gimenez all ready to challenge Feyenoord’s shaky defense. "L’equilibrio lo troviamo con 11 giocatori, non con 4. Ibra ha detto che ora abbiamo due squadre? Ne abbiamo anche di più," hinted Conceiçao, stressing the importance of overall team structure over individual talent.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord will likely stick with their preferred 4-3-3 setup, relying on key players like Ayase Ueda, who has been integral with goals against larger opponents like Bayern Munich. With former Milan player Santiago Gimenez returning, their frontline poses significant threats, yet it remains to be seen if their defense can hold against Milan's attacking depth.
All eyes will be on the managerial duel as Conceiçao’s strategies face off against Bosschaart’s adjustments following the management overhaul at Feyenoord. The latter’s decisions on player roles and game tactics could make the difference between advancement and elimination.
With the return leg set for February 18, the outcome of this clash will be pivotal for both clubs. A successful performance from Milan can set them up comfortably for the second encounter at San Siro where they will have the advantage of playing on home ground.
The stakes could lead to higher tensions not only on the pitch but also off it, with fans and media alike eager to dissect every moment of this high-stakes matchup with so much on the line. Tune in to watch this epic showdown, as both teams vie for progression to the next phase of the Champions League, hoping to write the next chapter of their European football stories.