Milan’s UCL Dreams Dashed as Feyenoord Capitalizes on Costly Sending-Off

AC Milan’s chances of progress in the Champions League were severely dented by the sending-off of Theo Hernandez for diving, a soul-destroying instant that turned the match entirely. 

The Italian side had taken control, searching for a goal after Santiago Giménez had levelled the tie early on. But in the 51st minute, Hernandez was shown a second yellow card, leaving Milan with 10 men. After that, their defense fell apart and Feyenoord exploited it. 

A well-timed cross by Hugo Bueno found Julián Carranza, who headed home the equalizer in the 73rd minute for a 1-1 draw on the night and a 2-1 aggregate win for the Dutch side.

Milan’s players were frustrated, not least because they started so well, even Giménez himself admitting the impression was that Feyenoord couldn’t find a way through. 

But soccer can change in a hurry, and Hernandez’s dismissal proved devastating. Feyenoord clung on amid late drama that included Givairo Read’s red card after the final whistle. Now, the Dutch team moves on to face either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the round of 16, while Milan is left wondering what could have been.