The iconic De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam will host a high-stakes Champions League knockout playoff first leg on Wednesday, as Feyenoord take on seven-time European champions AC Milan. This encounter marks Feyenoord’s return to the knockout phase of Europe’s premier competition for the first time in nearly four decades, while Milan seeks to reassert their dominance on the continental stage.
Feyenoord’s Champions League journey this season has been nothing short of dramatic. The Dutch side secured their place in the knockout rounds by finishing 19th in UEFA’s newly formatted league phase. Their campaign was highlighted by a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich and an enthralling 3-3 draw away to Manchester City. However, defensive frailties were evident throughout, as they conceded 21 goals—the most among the 24 teams that advanced.
Despite their European exploits, Feyenoord have struggled domestically this season under coach Brian Priske, who replaced Arne Slot last summer. A recent four-match winless streak in the Eredivisie, including a loss to arch-rivals Ajax and a KNVB Cup exit at the hands of PSV Eindhoven, has left them fifth in the league standings. However, a morale-boosting 3-0 derby win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend offers hope ahead of their clash with Milan.
Historically, Feyenoord have fared well against Italian opposition at home, losing just one of their 11 encounters. Fans will be hoping that this proud record continues as they aim to rekindle past European glories.
AC Milan enter this tie with a wealth of European pedigree but mixed recent fortunes. The Rossoneri narrowly missed out on automatic qualification to the round of 16 after a final-day defeat to Dinamo Zagreb saw them finish outside the top eight in the group stage standings. Despite this setback, Milan’s campaign included impressive victories over Real Madrid and other top sides.
Under new coach Sérgio Conceição, who took charge mid-season and promptly won the Supercoppa Italiana, Milan have shown signs of improvement. However, their inconsistency remains a concern. Sitting seventh in Serie A, they have struggled for form away from home in Europe’s knockout rounds, failing to win any of their last 11 such matches.
Milan’s squad boasts attacking talent capable of turning games around. Santiago Gimenez, who joined from Feyenoord in January and scored on his Serie A debut last weekend, will lead the line against his former club. The Mexican striker has been in scintillating form this season and could play a pivotal role in deciding this tie.
Brazilian forward Igor Paixao has been instrumental for Feyenoord this season with five goal contributions in Europe. He will be supported by Ayase Ueda or Julian Carranza up front. Meanwhile, young defender David Hancko will anchor a backline that must improve if Feyenoord is to keep Milan at bay.
Santiago Gimenez returns to De Kuip as Milan’s main attacking threat after scoring 16 goals for Feyenoord earlier this season. Christian Pulisic has also been crucial for Milan, netting four times during the group stage—more than any American player in a single Champions League campaign.
This matchup pits Feyenoord’s attacking flair against Milan’s experience and tactical discipline. While Feyenoord thrives on high-scoring games—averaging over two goals per match in Europe—they also concede heavily. Milan’s improved defensive organization under Conceição could be key here as they look to exploit Feyenoord’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Feyenoord relying on Quinten Timber and Jakub Moder to control possession against Milan’s dynamic pairing of Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders.
Team News
Feyenoord remain without several key players due to injuries, including goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and midfielders Calvin Stengs and Ramiz Zerrouki. Timon Wellenreuther will continue between the posts, while Quilindschy Hartman is expected to start at left-back after returning from injury.
Milan face their own injury woes, with Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi all sidelined. However, new signings Kyle Walker and Joao Felix are available and could feature prominently.
Expected Starting XIs
Feynoord: Wellenreuther; Nieuwkoop, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Moder, Timber, Hwang; Hadj-Moussa, Ueda, Paixao
AC Milan: Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Felix, Leao; Gimenez
Match Prediction
Both teams have shown defensive weaknesses but possess enough firepower to make this an entertaining contest. While Feyenoord’s home advantage could give them an edge early on, Milan’s superior experience and quality may help them secure a result that keeps the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.
Prediction: Feyenood 1-2 AC Milan
