Feyenoord Secures Narrow Victory Over AC Milan in Champions League Opener

A goalkeeping blunder secured Feyenoord a 1-0 home victory over AC Milan in a thrilling first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff on Wednesday, just two days after the Dutch club dismissed their coach.

Igor Paixao netted the only goal of the match three minutes in, when his speculative shot from the left flank skidded across the wet pitch and slipped past the diving Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The effort should have been a routine save for the French international, but the error provided Feyenoord with an ideal start and set the stage for a standout performance from Paixao.


The Brazilian winger was pivotal in Feyenoord’s attacking play, demonstrating that the shock decision to fire coach Brian Priske on Monday had not affected the team's morale. Interim coach Pascal Bosschaart, promoted from the under-21 side on the same day, enjoyed a victorious debut despite limited preparation time.

Paixao consistently troubled Milan’s new right-back, Kyle Walker, with his dynamic runs down the wing and nearly added a second goal with a curling shot in the 37th minute that grazed the top of the crossbar.

After halftime, Paixao’s creativity led to a chance for substitute Julian Carranza, who missed from close range. Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities amid a charged atmosphere at De Kuip, complicated by torrential rain in the first half.


"These are the nights you play for. We’ve shown this kind of confidence before," said Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber. "There’s a reason we’re here now. We’ve had several good games in the Champions League."

On the other side, Rafael Leao had two promising chances before the break; the first was blocked by Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen, and the second saw him thwarted by a timely tackle from Givairo Read during a counter-attack.

Dutch international midfielder Tijjani Reijnders had a quiet homecoming, displaying less of his usual assertiveness but nearly scored with a dipping volley in the 70th minute. Meanwhile, Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, whom Feyenoord sold to Milan nine days ago for a record €35 million ($36.35 million), also had a subdued return.


Milan appeared stronger in the final 20 minutes but could only muster a powerful long-range shot from Samuel Chukwueze that went directly at Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.

The two teams will meet again at San Siro on Tuesday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the last 16. "We can turn it around in the second leg," said Walker after his Champions League debut for Milan. "We have to learn from tonight."