Feyenoord Upsets AC Milan with Dramatic 1-0 First Leg Win

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Feyenoord stunned AC Milan with a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout round on February 12, 2025, at Stadion Feijenoord. The win puts Feyenoord in a promising position as they head to the second leg next week in Milan.

Igor Paixão scored the decisive goal four minutes into first-half stoppage time, taking advantage of a blunder by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Paixão cut in from the left before unleashing a shot that squirmed past Maignan at his near post, handing Feyenoord a crucial lead.

Feyenoord entered the match having regained some confidence after a commanding 3-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam in their previous league match, shaking off a string of poor results. Brian Priske’s side has been strong at home, going unbeaten in six of their last seven matches at De Kuip.

Despite being outshot significantly, with Milan racking up 23 attempts against Feyenoord’s seven, the home team managed to capitalize on their limited opportunities. They demonstrated a tenacity that frustrated the visitors, especially in the latter stages of the match.

Feyenoord’s defensive fortitude was apparent, with a solid performance from goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who made crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, including a diving stop on a powerful shot from Christian Pulisic in the second half.

Milan’s manager, Sérgio Conceição, expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, particularly in the attacking third. “We had numerous chances, but we weren’t clinical enough to put them away,” he said. “It’s disappointing to leave here without even a goal.”

Feyenoord is set to defend their narrow lead when they travel to the San Siro for the second leg on February 19, where they hope to advance to the knockout stage for the first time since the 1984-85 season.

“If we can replicate tonight’s performance, we have a good chance to progress,” added Paixão after the match. “We believe in ourselves.”

This match marked the first competitive meeting between the two clubs in over 55 years, with Feyenoord having the edge historically, winning their previous encounter in the 1969-70 European Cup.

Milan’s struggles continue, as they face mounting pressure to perform in the Champions League following this defeat. The reigning Serie A champions must now regroup quickly before the pivotal return leg.

Feyenoord’s victory showcases the unpredictable nature of knockout tournaments, where anything can happen on the night.