Feyenoord secured a startling win over AC Milan with a narrow 1-0 victory during the first leg of their Champions League playoff on February 12, 2025, at Stadion Feijenoord, Rotterdam. The Dutch side was boosted by a remarkable early goal from their Brazilian forward Igor Paixão, who capitalized on a rare mistake by Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The match kicked off under heavy rain, creating slippery conditions on the pitch. Just three minutes in, Maignan failed to hold onto Paixão’s low shot from the left side of the penalty area, which poorly rebounded off his hands and slipped past him at the near post. This blunder handed Feyenoord the lead, setting the tone for the evening.
This opening goal provided Pascal Bosschaart, Feyenoord’s interim coach—who had taken over just two days prior following the sacking of Brian Priske—with the perfect start. His team quickly adopted an aggressive stance, seeking to extend their advantage as Paixão, named the standout player of the match, continued to threaten the Milan defense.
Despite being dealt the early setback, AC Milan regrouped and sought ways to equalize. The team, showing flashes of promise, managed to create several scoring opportunities, yet their execution was lacking. Forward Rafael Leão wasted one particularly golden chance when he broke free on the counterattack, only to stumble and squander the opportunity before reaching Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Tim Wellenreuther.
The first half showcased Feyenoord’s determination, marked by their composure and hustle. Paixão was instrumental, creating additional danger as he struck the crossbar with another stunning effort just before halftime, reminding Milan's defense of his threat.
On the flip side, Milan, under the guidance of coach Sérgio Conceição, struggled with both creativity and finishing. Their inability to find the back of the net became increasingly problematic as the match progressed, and as the clock wound down, Feyenoord’s solid defense thwarted their attempts at building momentum.
The second half saw more possession for Milan as they diligently attempted to claw back level. Yet, they failed to capitalize on their chances, and Wellenreuther remained mostly untested throughout the game. The only notable moment for the Dutch side in the half came from João Felix’s late effort, which was comfortably caught by the Feyenoord keeper.
Milan finished the match frustrated, knowing they would need to produce a significantly improved performance at home during the second leg, scheduled for February 18 at San Siro, if they hope to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Even as Milan’s players looked forward to the rematch, the night belonged to Feyenoord and their fans, who celebrated their team’s unexpected yet deserving victory and the promise of what’s to come under Bosschaart’s new leadership.