Feyenoord secured a place in the Champions League last 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw against AC Milan on Tuesday, winning 2-1 on aggregate. The Dutch side overcame an early setback and made the most of a second-half red card for Milan’s Theo Hernandez. Julian Carranza’s late header sealed their progression.
Early Goal Gives Milan Hope
Milan wasted no time getting back into the tie. Just seconds after kickoff, they won a corner, and soon after, Santiago Gimenez—who recently transferred from Feyenoord—nodded in a goal from close range. The Argentine forward barely celebrated, but the San Siro crowd erupted in joy.
The Italian side dominated the first half, creating multiple chances. Christian Pulisic set up Joao Felix, but the Portuguese forward blasted his shot over the bar. Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, denied another effort from Felix, while Hernandez could only hit the side netting from the rebound.
Hernandez Sees Red
Milan started the second half strongly, with Kyle Walker testing Wellenreuther, but the game took a major turn six minutes after the break. Hernandez, already on a yellow card, was booked again for diving, leaving Milan with 10 men.
Despite having the extra player, Feyenoord struggled to break down Milan’s defense. Antoni Milambo missed two chances before Hugo Bueno delivered a pinpoint cross in the 73rd minute. Substitute Julian Carranza rose above the defense and powered a header past Mike Maignan to give Feyenoord the crucial away goal.
Feyenoord’s Historic Night
Milan desperately pushed for an equalizer to force extra time. Malick Thiaw’s strong header was saved, and Feyenoord held firm under late pressure. Tempers flared after the final whistle, resulting in Feyenoord’s Givairo Reed being sent off.
The match brought back memories of Feyenoord’s famous European Cup win in 1970 at the same stadium. Back then, they defeated Milan 2-1 on aggregate in the second round before going on to beat Celtic in the final. Now, they can dream again as they await either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the next round.
