MILAN (AP) — Rarely has the expulsion of a player had such a significant impact on a match. AC Milan found themselves lamenting Theo Hernandez’s dismissal after receiving a second yellow card for simulation, ultimately leading to Feyenoord moving on to the Champions League round of 16 at the expense of the former European champions with a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their playoff on Tuesday.
“In football, fortunes can change in an instant,” remarked Milan forward Santiago Giménez, who swiftly scored against his former team within the first minute of play.
Hernandez was shown the red card for simulation in the 51st minute, just as Milan seemed to have control following Giménez’s early goal which leveled the aggregate score. Feyenoord had secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the playoff the previous week.
However, Milan’s defense appeared shaky after referee Szymon Marciniak brandished a second yellow card to Hernandez for the simulation. The French defender had previously been cautioned for an altercation with a Feyenoord player after a foul on his teammate João Félix before halftime.
Hugo Bueno delivered a cross for Julián Carranza to score with a header in the 73rd minute, giving Feyenoord a 2-1 aggregate triumph.
“We are extremely disappointed. We started positively and found the net right away. It seemed like Feyenoord could not trouble us,” reflected Giménez on the pivotal moment of the match. “Today it was Theo, but in football, anyone can face such situations. We hold Theo in high regard and will offer him our full support.”
Following a post-match scuffle, Feyenoord’s Givairo Read was also shown a red card.
Feyenoord will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the next round of the competition.
In the subsequent playoff fixtures on Tuesday, Bayern Munich held a 2-1 advantage over Celtic as hosts, Benfica led 1-0 against Monaco, and Atalanta was ahead 2-1 against Club Brugge before the Belgian side’s visit.
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