Feyenoord secured their place in the Champions League last 16 after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against 10-man AC Milan at San Siro on Tuesday, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory over the seven-time European champions.
Julian Carranza emerged as the hero for the Dutch side, heading in the decisive goal in the 73rd minute to overturn Milan’s early lead.
The hosts had taken a dream start through Santiago Gimenez, who found the net in the opening minute, but their hopes dwindled after Theo Hernandez received a red card early in the second half.
Hernandez, already booked for a reckless foul on Anis Hadj-Moussa just before the break, was shown a second yellow by referee Szymon Marciniak for simulation in the penalty area under pressure from Givairo Read.
With the numerical advantage, Feyenoord pressed forward, and substitute Carranza delivered the crucial equalizer, securing a historic passage to the next round. The Dutch side now awaits a showdown against either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the next stage of the competition.
The France full-back was dismissed, leaving Milan on the back foot after having dominated up to that point.
Hernandez’s sending off and Carranza’s tie-winning header ruined what looked to be Gimenez’s night when he nodded home the opener against his old team after just 36 seconds.
Mexico forward Gimenez has already scored three times for Milan since signing from Feyenoord during the winter transfer window but his sixth goal in the Champions League this season was also his last.
Sergio Conceicao’s Milan are by no means assured of a spot in next year’s tournament as they sit seventh in Serie A, five points off the top four with a game in hand.
