Champions League Drama: Feyenoord Triumphs as Theo's Send-Off Shakes Milan

A Costly Send-Off for Milan as Feyenoord Advances

In what became a pivotal moment on the pitch, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez saw red with a second yellow card for simulation, profoundly impacting the outcome of the match. Feyenoord capitalized on this advantage, advancing to the Champions League last 16 with a 1-1 draw in the play-off’s second leg. This result sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory, ending the dreams of the ex-European champions.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, and Benfica clinched their playoff rounds, sending Scottish side Celtic, Europa League holders Atalanta, and French outfit Monaco out of the competition.

Milan forward Santiago Giménez, who hit a rapid-fire goal against his former team in the opening minute, reflected on the fluidity of soccer. “Everything changes in a second,” he observed. Hernandez’s dismissal came at a time when Milan was seizing control after Giménez had balanced the score, following a 1-0 loss in the first leg.

Milan’s backline showed vulnerability once referee Szymon Marciniak penalized Hernandez for simulation. The French defender had already received a caution at the interval for retaliatory behavior against a Feyenoord opponent following a foul on Joao Felix.

In the 73rd minute, a Hugo Bueno cross found Julián Carranza, whose header secured Feyenoord’s crucial equalizer on the night, sending them forward in the tournament.

“We’re deeply let down,” commented Giménez, “We kicked off optimistically with an early goal, and Feyenoord seemed benign. Today it’s Theo, tomorrow it could be any of us, that’s soccer for you. We’ll stand by Theo.” The match ended on a further note of controversy, with Feyenoord’s Givairo Read receiving a post-whistle red card amid another clash.

Feyenoord now anticipates a match-up with either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the last 16.

Davies Saves Bayern in Added Time

A dramatic equalizer from Alphonso Davies, deep into stoppage time, propelled Bayern Munich into the last 16 after a tense 1-1 stalemate with Celtic. Davies, off the bench, nudged the ball over after Leon Goretzka’s shot was parried, sparing Bayern the rigors of extra-time play. This secured a tight 3-2 aggregate win after Celtic’s Nicolas Kühn, scoring against his former side, had previously tied the overall score.

Bayern’s next opponents will emerge from the showdown between Bundesliga peers Bayer Leverkusen and La Liga giants Atlético Madrid.

Atalanta Falls Despite Bold Efforts

Over in Bergamo, Club Brugge dispatched Atalanta with a compelling 3-1 victory, wrapping up a 5-2 aggregate rout. Young forward Chemsdine Talbi netted twice, showcasing clinical precision.

In stark contrast, Atalanta launched a staggering 29 goal attempts, dwarving Brugge’s seven, alongside 89 attacking maneuvers to Brugge’s 16. Ademola Lookman netted soon after the half-time whistle, igniting temporary hopes of a comeback requiring three more goals. Yet, as Simon Mignolet deflected Lookman’s 61st-minute penalty, hopes ebbed.

Meanwhile, Benfica secured their place in the next round with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Monaco in Lisbon, edging a dramatic 4-3 win on aggregate.