AC Milan’s Goalkeeper Error Hands Feyenoord a 1-0 Win in Champions League Playoff Tie

ROTTERDAM: A Goalkeeping Howler Handed Feyenoord a 1-0 Home Win

A goalkeeping howler handed Feyenoord a 1-0 home win over AC Milan in an action-packed first leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff tie on Wednesday, just two days after the Dutch club fired their coach.

Igor Paixao Scores the Game’s Only Goal

Igor Paixao scored the game’s only goal after three minutes when his speculative effort from the left flank skidded with pace off the wet surface and slipped through the gloves of the diving Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Feyenoord’s Virtuoso Performance

The Brazilian winger was at the heart of Feyenoord’s attacking enterprise as the home side showed no ill effects from the shock decision to fire coach Brian Priske on Monday.

Interim Coach Pascal Bosschaart’s Debut

Interim coach Pascal Bosschaart got off to a winning start after being promoted the same day from his job with the Feyenoord under-21 side, giving him little time to prepare for the tie.

A Thrilling Contest

Paixao caused no end of trouble for Milan’s new right back Kyle Walker with his runs down the wing and came close to a second goal with a curling shot in the 37th minute that brushed the top of the visitors’ crossbar.

After the break, Paixao’s trickery set up a chance for substitute Julian Carranza but he went wide from close range and both sides battled to set up clear-cut opportunities, despite a fevered atmosphere at De Kuip where torrential rain hampered play in the first half.

Milan’s Chances

At the other end, Rafael Leao had two good chances before the break, the first blocked by Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen and the second a counter-attack where he bore down on goal but was halted by Givairo Read’s timely tackle.

It was a quiet homecoming for Dutch international midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who showed little of his usual assertive midfield play but did go close with a dipping volley in the 70th minute, and for Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, whom Feyenoord sold to Milan nine days ago for a record €35 million fee.

The Final 20 Minutes

Milan looked the stronger side in the final 20 minutes but the best they could muster was a powerful long-range shot from Samuel Chukwueze that went straight at Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.

Conclusion

Feyenoord’s 1-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie was a thrilling contest, with the Dutch club’s virtuoso performance and a goalkeeping howler from Mike Maignan giving them the upper hand. Milan will need to regroup and produce a strong performance in the return leg at San Siro if they are to advance to the last 16.

FAQs

* When is the return leg of the Champions League playoff tie between AC Milan and Feyenoord?
– The return leg will be played at San Siro on Tuesday.
* Who is the interim coach of Feyenoord?
– Pascal Bosschaart is the interim coach of Feyenoord, having taken over after the sacking of Brian Priske.
* Who scored the only goal in the first leg?
– Igor Paixao scored the only goal in the first leg, a speculative effort that slipped through the gloves of Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.