Breaking News: AC Milan Knocked Out of Champions League, Sergio Conceição’s Job Under Threat
On Tuesday evening, February 18, 2025, AC Milan’s UEFA Champions League dreams were shattered at the San Siro. The Serie A giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Dutch side Feyenoord, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw, which saw Feyenoord advance with a 2-1 aggregate victory. The result has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, putting Milan’s manager, Sergio Conceição, under immense pressure to retain his position beyond the summer.
Milan’s Struggles in Europe
AC Milan entered the Champions League knockout stages with high expectations after a solid group-stage performance, but their campaign came to a tragic halt on Tuesday. The first leg of the Round of 16 had ended in a 1-0 defeat for Milan in Rotterdam, and they needed a convincing performance at home to stay alive in the competition.
Milan managed to score the opening goal in the 26th minute through their star forward, Olivier Giroud, who latched onto a cross from the flanks to beat Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. The home crowd roared with approval, and it seemed like Milan would push on to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the second half when Milan’s influential left-back, Theo Hernández, received a controversial red card in the 58th minute. The decision came after Hernández was adjudged to have dived in the penalty area, earning him a second yellow card and subsequently a red card. This left Milan with 10 men for the remaining 30 minutes of the match, a situation that Feyenoord capitalized on.
Feyenoord didn’t take long to capitalize on their numerical advantage. In the 73rd minute, Julian Carranza, who had been a constant threat in the second half, scored the equalizer for Feyenoord. The Argentine forward found space in the Milan penalty box to head home a pinpoint cross from the wing. The goal crushed Milan’s hopes of progressing and handed Feyenoord the aggregate lead. Despite late efforts from Milan, they could not break down Feyenoord’s defense, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Conceição Takes Responsibility
Following the defeat, AC Milan manager Sergio Conceição faced the media and took full responsibility for his team’s exit from the competition. The Portuguese coach, who took over Milan in 2023, admitted that he made several tactical errors that ultimately led to his team’s downfall.
“I made so many mistakes tonight. I take full responsibility for our elimination. My decisions on the pitch were not good enough,” Conceição said, visibly disappointed by his team’s performance. “The red card was a turning point, but we should have managed the game better before that. It’s on me.”
Conceição, who has a reputation for tactical flexibility and aggressive football, had tried to field a more defensive side for this crucial fixture. However, the approach backfired, as Milan struggled to control the ball and create meaningful chances, even before the red card. With the likes of Rafael Leão, Charles De Ketelaere, and Giroud on the pitch, the Milan offense looked stagnant, and their inability to adapt cost them dearly.
The Portuguese tactician also struggled to inspire his team in the second half, as they appeared disjointed after Hernández’s dismissal. His substitutions and adjustments were not effective, with many fans questioning why Milan did not push harder for a second goal before the red card changed the complexion of the match.
The Pressure on Conceição
While Milan’s exit from the Champions League was disappointing, the pressure now shifts to Sergio Conceição’s future as the manager of the club. Conceição’s tenure at Milan has been a mixed bag, with some solid performances domestically but disappointing results in Europe, particularly in the Champions League this season. The defeat to Feyenoord is the latest in a series of underwhelming results, and many are questioning whether he is the right man to lead Milan back to the top.
AC Milan is a club with a rich European pedigree, having won the Champions League seven times, and their failure to progress beyond the Round of 16 is being seen as a massive failure. Many observers believe that the expectations placed on Milan to compete for the title are still very high, especially considering their storied history in the competition.
Reports are already suggesting that the AC Milan board is concerned about the team’s performances under Conceição, and the summer transfer window will be crucial in deciding his future. The board is expected to assess his work over the remaining months of the season, with a focus on how Milan performs in Serie A. If the team fails to secure a top-four finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League, Conceição’s position could be in jeopardy.
Financial Implications
AC Milan’s early Champions League exit also has significant financial implications for the club. Reaching the quarterfinals or beyond would have brought in much-needed revenue, with the club set to earn an estimated €11 million from progressing to the next stage. This sum could have been reinvested into the squad to strengthen areas that have been lacking this season.
Instead, Milan faces a challenging few months ahead, both on and off the pitch. Financial constraints could limit the club’s ability to make major signings, and they may need to sell players to fund new acquisitions. Additionally, the failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League would impact Milan’s global brand, fan engagement, and sponsorship opportunities.
The Road Ahead for Milan
As Milan reflects on their disappointing Champions League exit, the focus now shifts to Serie A. Milan remains in the race for the top four, but they face stiff competition from other Italian clubs, including Juventus, Inter Milan, and Roma. While the league offers an opportunity to salvage the season, the club will need to show significant improvement in the coming months if they are to secure a Champions League spot for next season and retain their ambitions of competing at the highest level in Europe.
For Sergio Conceição, the remainder of the 2024-2025 season is critical. His ability to lead Milan through a strong Serie A finish and restore confidence among the players will determine whether he is given the chance to continue his project at the club. However, with the pressure mounting, Conceição must now prove that he can deliver silverware and steer Milan back to glory. Failure to do so may see him lose his job come the summer.
