San Siro braces for a decisive showdown as AC Milan fights to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League. At the forefront is Mexican striker Santi Gimenez, set for an emotional encounter against his former club. Following a tough first-leg loss in Rotterdam, Milan must deliver a commanding performance to keep its European dreams alive.
Feyenoord heads to Italy on Tuesday to take on seven-time European champions AC Milan in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff, holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first clash. Igor Paixão’s early third-minute goal secured the Dutch side’s lead, marking a victorious debut for Pascal Bosschaart, who was appointed head coach just a day before the match.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the last 16, where they will face either Premier League giants Arsenal or Serie A contenders Inter Milan.
First-Leg Recap: Milan’s Frustration at De Kuip
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The opening leg in Rotterdam ended in disappointment for AC Milan, as they fell 1-0 to a disciplined Feyenoord side despite dominating possession and creating more opportunities.
Match Summary – Feyenoord 1-0 Milan
Team | Goals | Shots on Target | Possession |
Feyenoord | 1 (Pair 10′) | 2 | 46% |
| Milan | 0 | 6 | 54% |
An early strike from Igor Paixão in the 10th minute, following a defensive lapse by Mike Maignan, proved decisive. Milan’s attack struggled to convert chances despite registering six shots on target compared to Feyenoord’s two. Meanwhile, Santi Gimenez endured a quiet match, visibly affected by the pressure of facing his former supporters.
Milan now faces an uphill battle, needing a two-goal victory to qualify outright or a one-goal win to force extra time.
Santi Gimenez’s Journey: From Feyenoord to Milan
Santi Gimenez’s European journey began at Feyenoord, where he quickly became one of the Eredivisie’s most prolific strikers.
Gimenez at Feyenoord (2022-2025)
- Eredivisie Champion (2022-23) – Netted 15 goals in 32 matches during his debut season.
- Breakout Campaign (2023-24) – Scored 23 goals in 30 league appearances, including a hat-trick against Ajax.
- Super Cup Heroics (2024) – Bagged a brace in a thrilling 4-4 draw against PSV Eindhoven, eventually winning on penalties.
His stellar performances attracted interest from top European clubs, culminating in his winter move to AC Milan.
Gimenez’s Impact at Milan: A Star in the Making
After a difficult return to Rotterdam, Gimenez showed his resilience by scoring a crucial winner against Hellas Verona in Serie A, proving he is ready to shine on the big stage.
- First Milan player since 1994/95 to score in his first two Serie A starts, joining the ranks of Shevchenko and Pulisic.
- Displaying versatility, he has found the net with both his head and left foot.
- Now leads Milan’s frontline in their most pivotal European match of the season.
For Santi Gimenez, finding the back of the net against his former club at San Siro would mark the ultimate redemption moment.
Gimenez’s Stats for Milan (2025 Season)
Matches | Goals | Assists | Shot Accuracy |
3 | 2 | 0 | 67% |
Final Prediction: Can Milan Complete the Comeback?
- Milan enters as the favorite to win at home, but overcoming Feyenoord’s first-leg lead remains a challenge.
- Feyenoord’s injury crisis could weaken their defense, giving Milan a crucial advantage.
- If Santi Gimenez steps up, Milan has the firepower to turn this into a historic night at San Siro.
A thrilling battle awaits, with Milan needing a two-goal win to advance outright or a one-goal victory to force extra time. American soccer fans can catch all the action live on Paramount Plus, which holds exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the UEFA Champions League in the US. Don’t miss this crucial second-leg showdown as Milan fights to overturn Feyenoord’s lead!
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