- Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze came on late in the game and had minimal impact, managing only three touches and one cross
- A red card for Theo Hernandez left Milan with 10 men, shifting the game in Feyenoord’s favour
- Milan desperately pushed for a late goal, but Feyenoord’s defence held firm to secure qualification.
AC Milan’s UEFA Champions League dreams were shattered on Tuesday night, February 18, as they failed to overturn a first-leg defeat against Feyenoord, crashing out with a 2-1 aggregate loss.
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was introduced late in the game, but his brief appearance could not change Milan’s fate.
Having lost 1-0 in the first leg, Milan needed a strong response at the San Siro. They got off to a perfect start when Santiago Jimenez struck in the fourth minute, giving the home side early hope.
The atmosphere was electric as Milan pushed forward, dominating possession and creating chances, but they failed to add a second before halftime.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 51st minute when Theo Hernandez received a second yellow card for diving, leaving Milan with 10 men. This shift in momentum allowed Feyenoord to grow into the game, and they capitalised on their numerical advantage.
In the 73rd minute, Julian Carranza struck the equaliser, silencing the home crowd and putting Feyenoord in a commanding position.
With Milan now needing two goals, manager Stefano Pioli introduced Samuel Chukwueze in the 83rd minute, hoping the Nigerian winger could make a difference.
However, Chukwueze struggled to make an impact in his 14-minute cameo. He completed both of his attempted passes, recorded just three touches, and delivered one cross as Milan desperately searched for a goal. Despite their late pressure, Feyenoord held firm, securing their place in the Champions League Round of 16.
For Chukwueze, it was another frustrating night in what has been a challenging season. His late appearance did little to shift Milan’s fortunes, as they bowed out of Europe’s biggest competition in disappointment.
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceição did not mince words following his team’s Champions League elimination,
Speaking post-match, Conceição admitted his disappointment,
"We wanted to reach the Round of 16, but decisive moments made the difference," he stated. He also criticised Milan’s mental strength, emphasizing that "we needed to be stronger" in handling crucial situations like the red card.
Conceição defended Hernandez, saying,
"I am responsible, not Theo. He has given a lot to Milan, and we’ll discuss it in the locker room."
The Portuguese coach, who arrived only six weeks ago, lamented the challenging atmosphere at Milan, noting that the squad had not been able to train properly due to various issues.
Despite their Champions League exit, Conceição reminded fans that Milan had already won a trophy this season and remained in the Coppa Italia semifinals. However, he admitted the team still had a lot of work to do to restore their competitive edge.
“We improved after Chukwueze came on,” Milan coach hails Super Eagles star after win
Previously, TheRadar reported that Dutch playmaker Tijjani Reijnders lit up AC Milan’s Champions League opener with a brace, steering the Rossoneri to a 3-1 triumph over Club Brugge at the San Siro.
The coach also admitted that it was “when Okafor and Chukwueze came on, the game changed; they brought fresh energy, and the team gained intensity.”
