After 0–1 in Rotterdam, Milan was forced to turn the tide to advance in the Champions League playoffs.
And it started well. Already in the first minute, the new acquisition, from Feyenoord, Santiago Gimenez could nod in 1–0 and level the double match. Milan didn't let up after that, and continued to push for another goal.
But then the former team captain, Theo Hernandez, put a spanner in the works for the home team, at the very least on his own initiative.
Filmed himself to a second yellow
With a minute left of the first half, the Frenchman was given a yellow card after violently pulling down an opponent. And early in the second half, he got his second yellow, after trying to film himself to a penalty.
Thus, Hernandez had to leave the pitch, and Milan was suddenly a man down. Something that Feyenoord took advantage of.
In the 73rd minute, substitute Julian Carranza nodded in the decisive 1–1 goal in the match, which meant 2–1 overall.
Thus, a determined Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who now works in Milan's sports management – had to see his team eliminated from the tournament already in the round of 16.
Atalanta eliminated – without Hien
Later on Tuesday evening, another Italian team suffered a surprise defeat.
Third-placed in Serie A, Atalanta, unexpectedly lost at home to Belgian Club Brygge with 1–3, and was eliminated with a total of 2–5.
Swede Isak Hien missed the return match due to injury. Gustaf Nilsson got to jump in for the Belgian team in the 86th minute.
