AC Milan Vs. Feyenoord Prediction: Rossoneri Struggles To Turn Things Around At The San Siro

Santiago Gimenez, AC Milan's new hope (photo: @acmilan ·)

JAKARTA - AC Milan will try to reverse the aggregate deficit when they host Feyenoord at the San Siro in the second leg of the Champions League play-off on Tuesday night 18 February or Wednesday morning WIB. The Italian giant club had to catch up after losing 0-1 in the first leg in Rotterdam, where Igor Paixao's quick goal made the difference in the match.

The Rossoneri, led by Sergio Conceicao, have a tough task to turn things around. They only managed to advance in one in six previous Champions League games when they lost in the first leg, which was when they turned things around against Manchester United in the 2006-07 semifinals. However, playing at the San Siro was an advantage for Milan, as they were unbeaten in their last 12 games as a home team in all competitions since the defeat to Napoli in October 2024.

On the other hand, Feyenoord came with a narrow advantage and had a great chance of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 1974-75 season. However, they faced uncertainty after coach Brian Priske's sudden sacking just two days before their win over AC Milan in the first leg. Pascal Bosschaart, who was appointed interim coach, had a tough task of taking his team to stay at the San Siro, especially given their poor record in away matches.

Feyenoord suffered a disappointing result at the Eredivisie after their win over Milan. They were held to a goalless draw by NAC Breda, extending their winless streak in away matches to five consecutive matches in all competitions. This is a concern for the Dutch team, especially as they have had a poor record in keeping the clean sheet in their Champions League away game since 2002.

Good news for AC Milan is that no player has been injured or suspended after the first leg. Yunus Musah has also returned from a ban on playing and is ready to appear. However, the Rossoneri are still without some key players such as Alessandro Florenzi (ACL injury), Emerson Royal (chip injury), and Pierre Kalulu ( Muscle injury). In addition, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still doubtful about his muscle problems.

In this match, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, who only played off the bench against Hellas Verona in Serie A last weekend, are expected to start again. Leao, who provided an assist for Santiago Gimenez's winning goal in the match, will be a major threat to the Feyennoord defense. The Portuguese player has also recorded more successful drabs than any other player in the Champions League this season with a total of 33 steadys of success.

Meanwhile, Feyennoord faced a fairly severe injury storm. Ayase Ueda and captain Quinten Timber are doubtful of appearing after suffering hamstring injuries and knees in the first leg. They joined the list of injuries alongside Calvin Stengs (hamstring), Chris-Kevin Nadje (leg injury), Hwang In-beom, Bart Nieuwkoop, Ramiz Zerrouki, Jordan Lotomba, Justin Bijlow, and Gernot Trauner who also couldn't play. Even worse, left-back Quilindschy Hartman who had just recovered from a knee injury turned out to be not registered in the squad for the Champions League.

Playing at home provides an advantage for Milan, who has an impressive record when hosting the San Siro. Conceicao's team has high motivation to turn things around and can rely on Leao, Pulisic, and Gimenez as the source of their main attack.

Feyenoord, on the other hand, had to face this game with a limited player due to an injury storm. Losing many key players could have a major impact on their chances of maintaining an aggregate advantage. Although they have a record scoring many goals in Champions League away games this season, their defense is still a weak point that Milan can take advantage of.

With high motivation to avoid early elimination and the advantage of playing in front of their own supporters, AC Milan is seeded to win this game. However, they had to be careful with Feyenoord's counter-attacks, especially with Paixao's proven dangerous pace in the first leg.

AC Milan (4-2-3-1):Maignan; Walker, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Felix, Leao; Gimenez.

Feyennoord (4-2-3-1): Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Smal; Moder, Milimbo; Hadj Moussa, Ivanusec, Paixao; Carranza.

Score Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Feyenoord (Aggregate: 2-1