AC Milan faced a disappointing exit from the Champions League, ending their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord at San Siro, which resulted in a 2-1 loss on aggregate.

The match began on a bright note for Milan, as Santiago Gimenez found the net just one minute in, equalizing the tie with a close-range finish following a header from Malick Thiaw.

However, the situation worsened in the second half when Theo Hernandez received a red card for two reckless yellow cards. Julian Carranza then came off the bench to score, sealing Feyenoord’s advancement in the tournament.

This outcome is undoubtedly a major setback for the Rossoneri, who expected to advance to the round of 16, particularly after overcoming an initial first-leg deficit. Now, a key objective has slipped away.

Coach Sergio Conceicao opted for three alterations to the starting lineup that triumphed over Hellas Verona last Saturday, bringing in Strahinja Pavlovic, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao. Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez also started, creating an exciting attacking quartet.

Milan could not have wished for a better start when Gimenez scored against his former team within a minute. Theo Hernandez executed a short corner to Felix, whose deep cross was headed back across goal by Malick Thiaw, allowing the Mexican striker an easy tap-in, reminiscent of his goal against Verona.

The game maintained a frenetic pace post the quick start, with Feyenoord making their first attempt through Moder, who shot over the bar. At the other end, Tijjani Reijnders also missed a chance after Kyle Walker’s cut-back resulted in a shot that went over.

The connection between Gimenez and Felix was impressive; in the 19th minute, Gimenez delivered a beautiful pass to Felix, who dribbled into the box but failed to find the net.

Milan nearly took the lead when Theo Hernandez came agonizingly close. After Felix’s shot was parried, the left-back’s first-time strike hit the outside of the post.

Feyenoord started to settle into the match and created a half-chance 11 minutes before the break, with a low cross down Milan’s left leading to a snatched shot from Redmond that flew over.

A few minutes later, Wellenreuther denied Joao Felix again, who had time to turn and shoot from the edge of the box. Shortly after, Leao was found by a delightful pass from Felix, controlling it well and getting off a shot that was stopped effectively.

As the second half commenced, Milan looked invigorated, with Leao sending Theo into a dangerous position, only for the Dutch side to clear the danger. Wellenreuther then saved a powerful effort from Walker.

In a pivotal moment in the 52nd minute, referee Marciniak made a significant decision by issuing a second yellow card to Theo Hernandez. Leao had again sent a pass towards him, but Hernandez was deemed to have simulated a foul, resulting in his dismissal.

Following a period of Feyenoord pressure where they failed to register a shot on goal, Milan regained their composure. Pulisic had a chance to test the keeper from the left, but his shot fizzled out, leading to a substitution as Davide Bartesaghi replaced Pulisic to adjust to Theo’s red card.

With 20 minutes remaining, Conceicao made another change, swapping out Gimenez for Youssouf Fofana, which pushed Felix into a false nine role, allowing Leao to maintain his threat on the counter.

The grim reality struck in the 74th minute when Feyenoord found the equalizer on the night, regaining the aggregate lead. A precise cross from Bueno found Carranza, who positioned himself between Pavlovic and Bartesaghi to nod it in from close range.

A few minutes later, Thiaw’s header from a teasing free-kick went straight to Wellenreuther. Samuel Chukwueze and Tammy Abraham entered the fray for Reijnders and Musah as Milan pushed for a late equalizer.

Milan fought hard in the closing stages, delivering numerous crosses into the box in search of a breakthrough, but their efforts proved futile, and the disappointment was palpable as the final whistle blew.