AC Milan saw their Champions League campaign surprisingly ended rather soon after crashing out against Feyenoord Rotterdam. Losing 1-0 in the first leg, the Rossoneri failed to progress after only drawing 1-1 in their second meeting this midweek.
Milan Shoot Themselves On the Foot Against Feyenoord
Sergio Conceicao’s men had to make up for their 1-0 loss in Rotterdam as they host their opponent at San Siro on Tuesday. After a blunder from their goalie, Mike Maignan, that cost them in the first meeting, it was Theo Hernandez who largely cost the Rossoneri’s qualification because of his sending-off.
Milan started the game brightly, going 1-0 up in the first minute through Santiago Gimenez’s close-range header. The Rossoneri went on to dominate the first 45 minutes and should’ve added to their lead as they created several good scoring chances.
Hernandez however, picked up a silly booking late in the first half for an unnecessary shirt pull in the middle of the pitch. The French international should’ve known better as it was not even a dangerous attack from Feyenoord.
The Rossoneri also brightly started the second half, creating opportunities since the re-start. However, things suddenly went south in the 55th minute as Hernandez saw red after getting a second yellow card for simulation.
The left-back was judged to look for a penalty, while he claimed that he was just avoiding an opponent’s challenge. The decision was a bit harsh considering it’s still early in the second half and there is an argument that Theo was indeed trying to avoid a challenge.
Nevertheless, considering his experience and knowing that he is already on a booking, there was no need for the Frenchman to go down rather easily, especially in this current era. That red card turned things around as it gives Feyenoord a bit of confidence to push forward while Milan with their offensive line-up needs reshaping.
Conceicao’s Substitution Raises Questionmark
After going down with 10 men, The Rossoneri eventually saw their one-goal lead wiped away as Feyenoord equalized through Julian Carranza’s header. A poor marking from substitute, Davide Bartesaghi, allowed Carranza a free header inside the penalty area.
Conceding a goal from the opponent’s only shot on goal in the game was something that should not happen for a side like Milan. However, that’s what happened in that game in which once again they got themselves to blame.
Aside from Hernandez’s blunder, Sergio Conceicao’s substitution also needs questioning, especially the reason for replacing Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez too soon with their still 1-0 up. Although the tactician’s reasoning for the first sub by putting in Bartesaghi was to get Yunus Musah back to play on the right side of midfield, taking off Pulisic was probably too soon.
The former Chelsea man was Milan’s most versatile attacking player who can cover many positions on the pitch. Playing with 10 men, it’s probably wiser to keep your versatile player, who can also drop deep and bring the ball forward in the game.
Taking off Gimenez was also proven to be a mistake as he’s their only target man and his work rate was not a problem either in that game. Those decisions prove to be a sort of blunder as Conceicao ends up bringing on a centre forward and right-winger at the end by subbing in Tammy Abraham and Samuel Chukuweze late in the game.
Those two late subs showed that Milan eventually needed the attacking qualities that Pulisic and Gimenez could’ve provided. Instead of the American superstar, it was probably better to take off Joao Feliz who didn’t have the stamina to keep going and playing up front on his own.
Milan’s Late Efforts Not Enough
Despite the blunders, the Rossoneri still try to push hard and get that second goal which can at least take them into extra time. However, despite some chances they managed to create, none of them were converted well.
Eventually, Milan must bow out from the competition, despite looking like the only team that could win the game, especially for 55 minutes. In the end, the Rossoneri have no one but themselves to blame for their exit as they could’ve done better if not for their blunders.
