Feyenoord Edge AC Milan with Narrow Victory in Rotterdam

There was little surprise in this match as Feyenoord stuck to their familiar tradition of alternating between disappointing performances and impressive, successful displays. It came as no shock that just days before their clash with AC Milan, the club parted ways with head coach Brian Priske, appointing Pascal Boszart, the U-21 team coach, as his replacement.

In this encounter, Feyenoord once again showcased their aggressive pressing game, this time against the Rossoneri, playing in the same style they used against Bayern Munich. However, the match lacked goals. Just three minutes in, Mike Maignan made a glaring mistake. While Paixao's shot wasn’t particularly difficult, the goalkeeper failed to secure the ball.

In attack, AC Milan struggled to break down Feyenoord's solid defense. Felix and Leao unsuccessfully tried to find space and penetrate the defensive lines, but Wellenreuther was flawless between the posts on this occasion.

Both halves played out similarly. Substitutions failed to make a significant impact, and there was no "game-changer" to turn the tide. AC Milan continued to search for a way through Feyenoord's defense, while the hosts focused on counter-attacks. And, just like in their match against Bayern Munich, Feyenoord came closer to success. However, the score remained unchanged at 1-0.

Despite the defeat, AC Milan still holds good prospects for success in the two-legged tie. Away at Feyenoord, they won't face the same powerful fan support, and Feyenoord has often struggled in away matches. The return leg will take place on February 18 at the iconic San Siro.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Feyenoord - AC Milan 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Paixao, 3 (1:0)

Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Beelen; Hancko; Read (Osman I., 79); Smal (Bueno H., 69); Moder; Milambo; Hadj Moussa; Paixao (Ivanusec, 85); Timber Q. (Mitchell, 79); Ueda A. (Carranza, 46)
Bench: Andreev P.; 't Zand; Redmond Z.

AC Milan: Maignan; Pavlović S.; Walker; Theo Hernández; Fofana Y.; Reijnders; Thiaw (Tomori, 60); Félix J.; Pulisic (Chukwueze, 60); Rafael Leão (Camarda, 82); Gimenez S. (Abraham T., 82)
Bench: Sportiello; Torriani; Bartesaghi; Gabbia; Terracciano F.