Feyenoord edged out AC Milan with a narrow 1-0 victory at De Kuip Stadium on Wednesday, thanks to an early mishap by goalkeeper Mike Maignan. A rain-soaked pitch was the backdrop for this pivotal Champions League playoff match, where the home side secured the win just three minutes after kick-off.
Brazilian forward Igor Paixão stunned Milan’s defense when his shot from the left side of the penalty area floated erratically, nestling past the usually reliable France international, Maignan. The defensive blunder proved costly for the Italian giants, as it allowed Feyenoord to take control of the game early on.
The significance of the match was heightened by the fact it marked the first game for interim Feyenoord coach Pascal Bosschaart, who stepped in after Brian Priske was sacked just two days earlier. This victory served as the perfect start for Bosschaart, who played as a defender for Feyenoord from 2004-2006.
Fans had been anxious about life after Santiago Giménez, who transferred from Feyenoord to Milan just before the match for €30 million plus bonuses. His departure left many supporters wondering how their team would fare against their former player, who had been the standout performer last season with five goals during the group stage. Yet, it was Paixão who stole the limelight, cementing his place as the key playmaker of the night.
Despite the initial lead, Feyenoord remained on the offensive, with Paixão continuing to press the attack. An almost spectacular attempt to score again came when the Brazilian's shot rattled the crossbar, leaving Maignan helpless.
While Feyenoord’s Paixão thrived, Milan struggled to find their rhythm. Their playmaker no longer able to exploit the backline as they had earlier demonstrated, instead, they were relegated to long-distance attempts and looked increasingly frustrated throughout the match. A notable shot from João Félix tested Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, but the hosts’ backline proved strong under pressure.
Both teams had their chances to score following Paixão’s opener, with Milan searching for equalizers, but they failed to convert. They attempted to create meaningful attacks, drawing protests from players for what they believe should have been penalties, but the referee remained unmoved.
The game was intensified by Paixão’s pulsative performances, darting down the left flank and causing havoc among defenders. His electric pace and crafty footwork often had him taking on veteran players, including Kyle Walker, who was making his Champions League debut for Milan. Despite Walker’s experience, Paixão successfully exploited spaces and regularly prompted defensive help from teammates.
While all eyes were on Paixão, Giménez's night was one to forget. Underwhelmed by the challenge, the forward was often marginally involved, with his most notable contribution—a missed bicycle kick—drawing laughter from the crowd, as Feyenoord's defenders gave him subtle reminders of his former club.
With the second half underway, both teams came back onto the pitch ready to change the course of the match. Feyenoord struck first, with another chance headed for Maignan’s net from Paixão, but once again, Maignan managed to keep his composure under pressure and made the save.
The game saw continued pressure from Feyenoord as they looked for the all-important second goal. Hadj Moussa showed promise of doubling the advantage but could not convert, showcasing the intensity of their play throughout the match.
AC Milan’s offensive struggles continued, and fatigue began to set in as quality opportunities were hard to come by. Late substitutions from coach Sergio Conceição aimed to instigate fresh energy, but with insufficient impact from late substitutes Fikayo Tomori and Samuel Chukwueze, the game ended without the visitors making their mark on the scoreboard.
With the final whistle, Feyenoord celebrated the significant victory, creating excitement among fans as they head to the return leg next Tuesday at San Siro. For Milan, the loss will require reflection and tactics, for they must overcome the early deficit to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
This match demonstrated how Feyenoord, under new management and with rising stars like Igor Paixão, are prepared to make waves at the European level, setting the stage for an exciting second leg against the storied AC Milan.