Feyenoord secured a place in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw against 10-man AC Milan at the San Siro, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory over the seven-time European champions.
Julian Carranza was the hero for the Dutch side, heading home the crucial equaliser in the 73rd minute, just minutes after coming on as a substitute. His goal cancelled out Santiago Gimenez’s stunning opener in the first minute and set Feyenoord up for a clash against either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the next round.
Milan’s hopes took a major blow early in the second half when Theo Hernandez was sent off.
Already on a yellow card for a reckless foul just before halftime, the French full-back received his marching orders for simulation in the penalty area under pressure from Givairo Read.
The red card shifted momentum in Feyenoord’s favour, and they took full advantage with Carranza’s match-winning header, knocking Milan out of the tournament.
Gimenez, who left Feyenoord for Milan in the winter transfer window, had given the hosts a dream start by scoring just 36 seconds into the match, but his goal proved in vain as Milan’s European campaign came to an early end.
Milan, now managed by Sergio Conceição, face an uphill battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They currently sit seventh in Serie A, five points off the top four, with a game in hand.
