MILAN (ITALPRESS) – AC Milan are going home. The 1-1 home draw against Feyenoord eliminates the 7-time European champions from the race for the Champions’ round of 16, mainly due to a silly expulsion suffered by Hernandez in the opening minutes of the second half: a double yellow, the second for a simulation that left the team in 10, nullifying the immediate lead sealed by the match’s great ex, Santiago Gimenez. Conceicao chose a very offensive formation and was rewarded after only 40 seconds. Pulisic drains a ball from the right with his left hander, Thiaw heads the ball into the center, and Gimenez leaps higher than his direct marker and slips Wellenreuther’s header in for the 1-0 lead. It was a crucial goal that the Mexican, formerly on duty, decided not to celebrate, however. The new signing is on the ball and on 18′ plays the role of assist man when he launches Joao Felix deep into the box, who goes for a left-footed shot from a good position but shoots high. The Portuguese tried again five minutes later with a shot from outside the box, Wellenreuther miscontrols but Hernandez is unlucky on the first-intention rebound and hits the outside post. In 43′ it was Leao who had a chance for 2-0, but the number 10, after being set loose in the box by compatriot Joao Felix, had his way blocked by the goalkeeper after kicking from a deflected position. The first half ended 1-0 with Hernandez, who was cautioned, getting himself cautioned just before halftime. A very heavy caution, because early in the second half he picked up his second yellow, and then red, for a naive simulation in the box, thus leaving his team outnumbered. The Rossoneri compacted and seemed to resist, but at 28′ came the cold shower. Bueno let off a great cross from the left, newcomer Carranza skipped between Pavlovic and Bartesaghi and beat Maignan’s header for the 1-1 draw that put the qualification on the Dutch side. The reaction of the hosts resulted in sterile attacks and the guests managed the precious draw until the final whistle blew. The result thus condemned Milan to elimination, which came at the hands of an opponent largely within reach.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
