In a stunning turn of events, Milan’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League last 16 were dashed as Feyenoord fought back to secure a 1-1 draw at the San Siro, propelling the Dutch side through with a 2-1 aggregate victory. The Italian giants, who led early on the night, saw their fortunes turn after Theo Hernández’s controversial red card for a dive in the 51st minute.
Early Milan Dominance Undone by Hernández Dismissal
The seven-time European champions came out firing, with Santiago Giménez leveling the aggregate score just a minute into the match against his former club. Milan looked poised to take control, but the complexion of the tie changed dramatically early in the second half.
French left-back Theo Hernández, already on a yellow card, went to ground far too easily in the Feyenoord penalty area, prompting the referee to brandish a second yellow for simulation. The sending off left Milan down to 10 men with nearly 40 minutes still to play.
Carranza Header Turns the Tie
With the man advantage, Feyenoord grew in confidence and began to assert control. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute, as Hugo Bueno’s pinpoint cross found Julián Carranza rising highest to power a header past the helpless Milan goalkeeper.
That goal was a dagger to the heart of Milan’s Champions League dreams.
Stefano Pioli, Milan Manager
Milan Rue Missed Opportunities
The Rossoneri will look back on this tie with immense frustration, knowing they had the quality to progress. However, a combination of wastefulness in front of goal, defensive frailties, and Hernández’s ill-discipline ultimately cost them dearly.
- 21 shots but only 6 on target across both legs
- 7 goals conceded in last 4 Champions League home games
- Hernández now suspended for next European match
Feyenoord Fairytale Continues
For Feyenoord, this remarkable result extends their Cinderella run in the competition. The Eredivisie club, who last reached the Champions League knockout stages in 2002, will now eagerly await the last 16 draw, where they could meet the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.
We showed immense spirit and belief to come here and get the result we needed. This is a special group of players making history for this great club.
Arne Slot, Feyenoord Manager
Italians Under Pressure
Milan’s exit leaves Italian football in a precarious position in this season’s Champions League. With Napoli and Juventus already out, only Inter Milan can salvage some pride for Serie A, but they face a daunting task to overturn a first-leg deficit against Manchester United.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt continued their impressive continental form, easing past Olympiacos 3-0 on aggregate. The Bundesliga side join fellow German outfits Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig in the last 16 hat.
The remaining spots in the Champions League last 16 will be decided on Wednesday, with Atalanta vs Brugge, Benfica vs Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain vs Borussia Dortmund among the standout ties. Stay tuned for more drama and intrigue as Europe’s premier club competition reaches its business end.
