A Series of Costly Errors Sends AC Milan Crashing Out of the Champions League

AC Milan’s Champions League campaign ended in bitter disappointment as they were held to a 1-1 draw at San Siro, resulting in a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Feyenoord. A night that began with hope quickly unraveled, as controversial refereeing decisions and a costly red card for Theo Hernández played a decisive role in Milan’s elimination.

 
A Dream Start for Milan
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Rotterdam, Milan knew they needed a fast start—and they got exactly that. Just seconds into the game, Santiago Giménez rose highest to head home a perfectly placed cross, sending the San Siro crowd into raptures.

With the aggregate score now level at 1-1, the Rossoneri were in full control. They dominated possession, created several chances, and appeared to have Feyenoord on the ropes. João Félix and Rafael Leão both tested the Dutch defense, but their finishing lacked the killer instinct required on a high-stakes European night.

However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half, and Milan’s night quickly spiraled out of control.

 
Theo Hernández’s Red Card – The Turning Point
The match-changing moment arrived in the 52nd minute when Theo Hernández, already on a yellow card, went down inside the penalty area under pressure from Feyenoord’s defenders. The referee, instead of awarding a spot-kick, deemed it a dive and brandished a second yellow card, reducing Milan to ten men.

San Siro erupted in protest, but the damage had been done. Feyenoord, now with a numerical advantage, seized control of the game and put Milan under relentless pressure.

 
Feyenoord’s Killer Blow
With Milan struggling to contain their opponents, Feyenoord struck in the 73rd minute. Substitute Julián Carranza rose above the Milan defense to power home a header, bringing the score level on the night but putting Feyenoord ahead 2-1 on aggregate.

Despite desperate attempts to find an equalizer, Milan’s attacking efforts fell flat. The red card had completely altered the course of the game, and they never recovered. As the final whistle blew, a frustrated Milan side was left to ponder what could have been.

 
Post-Match Reactions
AC Milan’s head coach, Sergio Conceição, took full responsibility for the result, refusing to blame Hernández for his dismissal.

“We controlled the game before the red card, but we failed to manage key moments. It’s a tough lesson, but we must move forward.”
João Félix echoed similar sentiments, expressing deep disappointment and emphasizing the need for Milan to shift their focus back to domestic competitions.

 
What’s Next for Milan?
With Champions League football now out of the picture, AC Milan must regroup and turn their attention to Serie A and the Coppa Italia. Their performances in the coming weeks will determine whether they can salvage their season and secure a return to Europe’s elite competition next year.

For now, however, Milan fans are left to reflect on a Champions League campaign that promised so much—only to end in heartbreak due to a series of costly decisions and missed opportunities.