Feyenoord marked their return to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout stage in style with a dramatic 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the first leg of their knockout play-off. The Dutch giants, playing their first UCL knockout fixture since the 1984/85 season, delivered a spirited performance at De Kuip, leaving the Italian heavyweights winless in their last 12 away UCL knockout games. With a crucial second leg looming at San Siro, the Rossoneri must regroup to overturn the deficit.
A Nightmare Return for Santiago Giménez
Much of the pre-match hype centered around Milan’s January signing Santiago Giménez, who had been Feyenoord’s top scorer in the group phase. However, as his former club set the tone early, the Mexican forward endured a miserable return to Rotterdam.
Igor Paixão ignited the Feyenoord faithful in just the fourth minute with a speculative strike from the edge of the penalty area. Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, usually dependable, made a costly error, allowing the ball to slip through his grasp at the near post. While the slippery pitch may have played a role, Maignan’s mistake proved pivotal in Feyenoord’s early breakthrough.
Tense First Half Filled with Near Misses
Milan responded by pushing forward, but Feyenoord’s shot-stopper Timon Wellenreuther was in inspired form, denying efforts from Tijjani Reijnders and João Félix. The game reached boiling point around the 30-minute mark when both Paixão and Rafael Leão went down in the opposite penalty areas in quick succession, but Spanish referee José Sánchez waved away both claims.
Paixão, brimming with confidence, came close to doubling Feyenoord’s lead just before halftime. The Brazilian unleashed a powerful long-range effort that had Maignan beaten, only for the ball to clip the top of the crossbar. Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, Milan struggled to carve out clear-cut chances against an organized Feyenoord defense.
Feyenoord Stay Resilient as Milan Falter
Feyenoord carried their momentum into the second half, with Thomas Beelen forcing Maignan into action from a corner. Substitute Julián Carranza also had a golden opportunity but failed to hit the target after a dazzling run from Paixão.
Sensing the urgency, Milan finally showed signs of life in the final 20 minutes. Reijnders came close with a dipping volley, while Samuel Chukwueze, Strahinja Pavlović, and Félix tested Wellenreuther. However, the Feyenoord goalkeeper was in unbeatable form, standing tall to deny every Milan effort.
A Crucial Win for Feyenoord, A Big Test for Milan
With the final whistle, Feyenoord secured a vital victory—marking their seventh win in 12 home matches against Italian sides. The result extends Milan’s winless run against Dutch opposition to five games, putting Stefano Pioli’s side under immense pressure ahead of the return leg.
Following Tuesday’s second leg at San Siro promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Arsenal or Inter Milan awaiting the winners in the quarter-finals. To keep their European dreams alive, Milan must rediscover their attacking prowess and shake off their poor form against Dutch teams.
What This Means for Kenyan Football Fans
Kenyan football enthusiasts, especially those who follow European football passionately, will see this result as a reminder of how unpredictable the UCL can be. Many fans admire AC Milan due to their rich history, but this result showcases that even giants can struggle in difficult away fixtures. Feyenoord’s fearless approach inspires underdog teams, proving that tactical discipline and home support can make a significant difference on the big stage.
For those who enjoy betting on UEFA Champions League fixtures, BangSports provides high odds and exciting betting options for the second leg of this clash and other top European games. Don’t miss out on placing your bets on the most thrilling UCL encounters!
Final Thoughts
Feyenoord’s stunning victory has set up a tantalizing second-leg showdown. Can AC Milan turn the tie around at San Siro, or will the Dutch giants continue their fairytale UCL run? One thing is sure—football fans worldwide, including those in Kenya, will eagerly watch as the drama unfolds!
