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Julian Carranza’s 73rd-minute equalizer at San Siro helped Feyenoord come from behind to eliminate AC Milan from the Champions League, after securing a 2-1 aggregate victory on Tuesday night.
The Rossoneri had taken the lead in the opening minute through Santiago Gimenez, who scored against his former club after Malick Thiaw’s header back across goal. However, their European ambitions were left in tatters after Theo Hernandez’s dismissal in the 52nd minute. The Frenchman’s sending-off proved a turning point, as Feyenoord capitalized on their numerical advantage to level the tie.
Gimenez’s early strike had given Milan a dream start, but they were unable to build on their advantage despite creating several clear-cut chances. Joao Felix and Rafael Leao both went close, while Hernandez’s first-time attempt crashed against the outside of the post. Feyenoord, meanwhile, grew into the game, with Carranza’s introduction off the bench proving decisive.
The Argentine striker’s header from a pinpoint cross by Igor Bueno sent the Feyenoord bench into raptures and left Milan’s players reeling. The hosts huffed and puffed in the closing stages, but Feyenoord’s defense held firm to secure a famous aggregate victory.
Milan’s defeat means a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign, while Feyenoord advances to the round of 16, where they will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
Sergio Conceicao’s side had made a bright start, with Gimenez’s goal setting the tone for a frenetic opening period but allowed Feyenoord gradually gain a foothold in the game, with substitute Carranza proving the catalyst for their comeback.
The Argentine’s equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the Feyenoord faithful, and their side’s victory was no less than they deserved. Milan, meanwhile, will be left to rue their missed opportunities and the disciplinary lapse that ultimately proved their undoing.
As the final whistle sounded, Milan’s players were left to contemplate a disappointing exit from the Champions League. Feyenoord, on the other hand, can look forward to a thrilling tie against either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the round of 16.
The defeat will come as a major blow to Milan’s ambitions, and they will now look focus on their domestic campaign. Feyenoord, who for the first time in 50years have qualified for the Round 16, will be basking in the glory of their Champions League triumph, and they will be eager to make a deep run in the competition.
