Milan GK Maignan's error gives Feyenoord the edge in first-leg

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. It was a night of high drama, unexpected twists, and a reminder of how fine the margins can be in European football. With both sides looking to establish an early advantage, Feyenoord capitalized on a moment of fortune that would shape the entire match.

Igor Paixão scored the game's only goal after just 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. The French international, usually so reliable, could only watch in horror as the ball trickled into the net, gifting Feyenoord the perfect start. The early goal sent the home fans into raptures and gave their team the confidence to push forward with purpose.

It was a shot that should have been a routine save for Maignan, but the error gave Feyenoord a dream start and set the tone for a virtuoso performance from Paixão. The Brazilian winger was at the heart of Feyenoord's attacking enterprise, buzzing down the left flank with relentless energy. His quick feet and sharp movements troubled Milan’s defense throughout the game, and he nearly doubled the lead in the 37th minute with a curling effort that brushed the top of the visitors' crossbar.

Despite the turmoil of losing coach Brian Priske on Monday, Feyenoord showed remarkable resilience under interim coach Pascal Bosschaart. Promoted from the under-21 side, Bosschaart had little time to prepare but saw his team execute a disciplined and aggressive game plan. Feyenoord played with a fluidity and confidence that suggested they were unaffected by the off-field turbulence, pressing high and disrupting Milan’s rhythm.

Paixão caused no end of trouble for Milan's new right-back Kyle Walker, who was making his Champions League debut for the Italian giants. The Englishman struggled to contain the Brazilian’s trickery and was often left isolated as Feyenoord looked to exploit the right-hand side. Paixão’s influence on the game was undeniable, and his creativity nearly set up substitute Julián Carranza for a second goal, only for the forward to skew his effort wide from close range.

At the other end, Rafael Leão remained Milan’s most potent attacking threat. The Portuguese winger had two promising chances before the break, first seeing his effort blocked by Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen and later being denied by a superbly timed challenge from Givairo Read as he surged towards goal. Milan looked dangerous in moments but lacked the cutting edge to break down Feyenoord’s resolute defense.

The second half saw both teams battle hard to create opportunities, but the torrential rain that had plagued the first 45 minutes made conditions difficult. The slippery surface led to misplaced passes and cautious play, as both sides struggled to assert themselves in the middle of the pitch. Milan grew into the game, gradually taking control of possession, yet they were met with a well-drilled Feyenoord backline that refused to be breached.

Tijjani Reijnders, making his return to De Kuip, had a subdued performance but did come close with a dipping volley in the 70th minute that had Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther scrambling. Meanwhile, Santiago Gimenez, who had made a high-profile move from Feyenoord to Milan just nine days prior for a club-record 35-million-euro fee, endured a frustrating evening. The Mexican striker found himself isolated and unable to make a significant impact against his former teammates, as Feyenoord’s defenders closed him down at every opportunity.

As the match entered its final stages, Milan pushed forward with urgency in search of an equalizer. Samuel Chukwueze unleashed a powerful long-range drive in the 82nd minute, but it went straight into the hands of Wellenreuther, summing up Milan’s night of frustration. Despite their increased intensity, the visitors were unable to break down Feyenoord’s resilient defensive wall, leaving them with plenty of work to do in the return leg.

"These are the nights you play for. We've shown this kind of confidence before," said home captain Quinten Timber after the match. "There's also a reason we're here now. We've played several good games in the Champions League."

Milan now face an uphill battle as they prepare to host the second leg at San Siro on Tuesday. With the aggregate winner advancing to the last 16, the Rossoneri must find a way to overturn the deficit and avoid an early exit from Europe’s elite competition. Walker remained optimistic despite the setback, emphasizing that Milan still had a chance to turn things around. "We can turn it around in the second leg," he said. "We have to learn from tonight."

The return fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Milan desperate to respond on home soil and Feyenoord determined to finish what they started. With so much at stake, both teams will need to produce their best performances yet as they battle for a place in the Champions League last 16.