DEFEAT IN THE UCL PLAY‑OFF FIRST LEG
Champions League
AC Milan suffered a 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 play-offs. The match, held at the De Kuip in Rotterdam, saw the home side take the lead in the 3rd minute with a goal from Paixão, assisted by Smal. Despite AC Milan's efforts to level the match, the scoreline remained unchanged. This defeat complicates our road to the round of 16 as we will now need to overturn the result in the second leg - Tuesday 18 February at 18:45 CET at San Siro - to continue our European journey.
We showed determination and team spirit but failed to capitalise on our chances, created by a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to exploit the speed of Leão and Pulisic on the wings. However, Feyenoord's defence proved solid, repelling the Rossoneri attacks. Despite the introduction of Chukwueze and Abraham in the second half to inject fresh energy into the attack, we couldn't find the back of the net. The Rossoneri must now focus on upcoming fixtures, aiming to improve and return to winning ways, starting from Saturday night in Serie A against Hellas Verona. Forza Milan!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM FEYENOORD v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The first half began at a high pace, with Feyenoord taking an early lead in the 3rd minute through Paixão, who capitalised on an assist from Smal to beat Maignan. AC Milan sought to respond, and in the 7th minute, Reijnders tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot from outside the box. In the 18th minute, João Félix attempted to surprise Wellenreuther with a long-range effort, but the Feyenoord keeper was alert. The Rossoneri continued to press, but the Dutch defence held firm. In the 40th minute, Paixão struck the crossbar with a shot from distance, narrowly missing a second goal. The first half ended with Feyenoord leading 1-0.
In the second half, AC Milan made two substitutions in the 60th minute, bringing on Tomori and Chukwueze to add fresh legs. In the 57th minute, Gimenez had a good opportunity with a header, but it was cleared by the opposition defence. In the 62nd minute, Chukwueze attempted a long-range shot, but Wellenreuther saved. Feyenoord countered in the 76th minute, but Pavlović cleared off the line. In the closing stages, AC Milan went all out, introducing Abraham and Camarda, but the scoreline remained unchanged. Despite their efforts, the Rossoneri couldn't find an equaliser, and the match ended with Feyenoord's 1-0 victory.
MATCH DETAILS
FEYENOORD 1-0 AC MILAN
FEYENOORD (4-3-3): Wellenreuther; Read (79' Mitchell), Beelen, Hancko, Smal (70' Bueno); Moder, Milambo, Timber (79' Osman); Hadj Moussa, Ueda (46' Carranza), Paixão (85' Ivanušec). Subs: Andreev, Ka; Giersthove; 'T Zand, Van Den Elshout; Redmond. Coach: Bosschaart.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker, Thiaw (60' Tomori), Pavlović, Hernández; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic (60' Chukwueze), João Félix, Leão (83' Camarda); Gimenez (82' Abraham). Subs: Sportiello, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Gabbia, Terracciano. Coach: Conceição.
Referee: José María Sánchez (Spain).
Goal: 3' Paixão (F).
Booked: 51' Thiaw (M), 57' Smal (F), 62' Milambo (F).
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