AC Milan have been left to rue Theo Hernandez’s sending off for diving as Feyenoord advanced to the Champions League last 16 at the former European champions’ expense with a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their play-off.
Hernandez earned his second yellow card for a dive in the 51st minute on Tuesday when seven-times winners Milan were dominating after forward Santiago Gimenez’s first-minute goal had levelled the tie against his former team.
Feyenoord, also former European Cup champions way back in 1970, celebrated exuberantly after they emerged triumphant, courtesy of their 1-0 win in Rotterdam last week.
Milan’s defence looked anything but assured after Hernandez was sent off, with Hugo Bueno crossing for Julian Carranza to head Feyenoord level on the night in the 73rd minute, sealing the Dutch team’s 2-1 win on aggregate.
Things had looked promising for Milan at first as just 40 seconds had elapsed when Gimenez headed into the net after Malick Thiaw had nodded a cross from Christian Pulisic back across the goalmouth.
Gimenez did not celebrate out of respect for his ex-club he left last month.
Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther saved Joao Felix’s shot and Hernandez hit the outside left post on the rebound in the 23rd.
Wellenreuther denied Kyle Walker shortly after the restart but the momentum completely changed when Hernandez had to go in the 51st over a second yellow card he received for simulation in the Feyenoord penalty area.
Feyenoord had rarely threatened until then, but after their equaliser they held on, with their teenager Givairo Read shown a red card following a melee after the final whistle.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/ac-milan-knocked-out-by-feyenoord-in-champions-league-c-17771662
