AC Milan knocked out of Champions League
AC Milan 1 - 1 Feyenoord (Feyenoord won 2-1 on aggregate)
AC Milan’s Champions League campaign came to a crushing end as they were held to a draw by Feyenoord in the second leg of their knockout play-off at the San Siro.
The Rossoneri had the perfect start, overturning their 1-0 first-leg deficit within just 36 seconds. Santiago Giménez, facing his former club, scored the fastest goal of this season’s Champions League, reigniting Milan’s hopes of progression.
However, their chances took a major hit when Theo Hernández was sent off in the 51st minute after picking up a second yellow card. Feyenoord capitalised on their numerical advantage, with substitute Julián Carranza heading in the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Dutch side.
The last-16 draw on Friday will determine whether Feyenoord will face Inter Milan or Arsenal next month.
More news from Feyenoord can be found here
How did AC Milan's bright start fade so badly?
The seven-time European champions looked in control early on. Christian Pulisic’s deep cross was nodded back into the danger area by Malick Thiaw, allowing Mexico international Giménez to head home from close range – his sixth goal in the competition, with five of those coming in Feyenoord colours before his January transfer.
Stefano Pioli’s men pushed for a second, with Tijjani Reijnders and João Félix both going close. Hernández then rattled the post with a thunderous effort in the 23rd minute.
Rafael Leão tested Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther just before half-time, and the Dutch shot-stopper was again called into action early in the second half to deny a low drive from Kyle Walker.
But Milan’s momentum shifted dramatically when Hernández received his marching orders for simulation just six minutes into the second half.
AC Milan knocked out of the Champions League! More reaction coming here - eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/search/label... youtu.be/o-qE0pmmRUY?...
— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 18 February 2025 at 21:25
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Feyenoord seized their opportunity, with Hugo Bueno delivering a pinpoint cross for Carranza to power a header past Milan captain Mike Maignan. The goal secured Feyenoord’s place in the Champions League last 16 for the first time since 1974.
What's happened to this giant of European football?
Once a dominant force in European football, they have only reached the Champions League last 16 once since the 2013-14 season.
Stefano Pioli led them to the semi-finals in 2022-23 and guided them to their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2022. However, since his departure last summer, Milan have struggled to maintain that level.
Former Porto boss Sérgio Conceição became their second manager of the season after replacing Paulo Fonseca, who was dismissed in December. While results have improved, Milan are still in danger of missing out on European football next season.
Currently, they sit one point behind sixth-placed Fiorentina, who occupy a UEFA Conference League spot, and five points adrift of fourth-placed Juventus, the final Champions League qualification position.
Although Milan lifted the Italian Super Cup after beating Inter Milan shortly after Conceição’s arrival, this early Champions League exit will heap further pressure on the Portuguese coach as the club fights to salvage their season.
