Feyenoord Stuns AC Milan to Advance in Champions League
Julian Carranza’s goal was enough for Feyenoord to secure a 1-1 draw against AC Milan on Tuesday, earning a 2-1 aggregate playoff victory and booking their spot in the Champions League last 16. The match was filled with drama as Theo Hernandez was sent off for Milan, shifting the momentum in favor of the Dutch side. Santiago Gimenez’s early goal for Milan was cancelled out by Carranza’s header in the second half, sealing Feyenoord’s progression.
In the upcoming round of 16, Feyenoord will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal, pending the outcome of Friday’s draw. This victory marks a significant achievement for Feyenoord, who will now look to make a mark in the later stages of the competition.
Milan started the game on the front foot, with Gimenez scoring within the first minute off a corner. The Mexican forward, who recently joined Milan from Feyenoord, showed his quality with a well-taken header. However, the match took a turn when Hernandez was shown a red card, leaving Milan with ten men and giving Feyenoord a lifeline.
Despite Milan’s attempts to extend their lead, Feyenoord stood firm at the back and eventually found their breakthrough. Carranza’s header, assisted by Hugo Bueno, proved to be the decisive moment in the match, sending the Dutch side through to the next round.
As the final whistle blew at the San Siro, tensions ran high with a late red card for Feyenoord’s Givairo Reed. The scenes mirrored Feyenoord’s historic European Cup triumph in 1970, where they overcame Celtic in extra time to lift the trophy. The current squad will be hoping to channel that same winning spirit as they continue their journey in the Champions League.
With this unexpected victory over Milan, Feyenoord’s belief in their abilities has been reignited. The Dutch side will now set their sights on the next challenge in Europe’s elite competition, ready to defy the odds once again.
