Feyenoord secured a crucial 1-0 lead over AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at De Kuip, thanks to an early mistake by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Just days after dismissing their head coach, Feyenoord found inspiration under interim manager Pascal Bosschaart, who marked his debut with an important victory.
Igor Paixao was the hero of the night, putting Feyenoord ahead in the third minute. His speculative strike from a tight angle on the left wing skidded off the wet turf and slipped through Maignan’s gloves, a moment the French goalkeeper will want to forget.
Despite the error, it was a dream start for Feyenoord and a sign of things to come from the lively Brazilian winger.
Paixao remained a constant threat throughout the match, nearly doubling his tally just before half-time with a dipping effort that rattled the crossbar from a similar position to his opener.
Julian Carranza also came close in the second half, narrowly missing the far post as Feyenoord continued to press Milan without showing signs of their recent managerial shake-up.
Milan’s best chance came through Tijjani Reijnders, who sent a shot just over the bar, but overall, the visitors struggled to find their rhythm.
Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther had little trouble maintaining his clean sheet as the Dutch side extended an impressive run.
Notably, Paixao’s goal was Feyenoord’s fastest in the Champions League or European Cup since Willem van Hanegem scored in the third minute back in September 1971.
Feyenoord have also maintained their remarkable record when leading at half-time in the competition, going unbeaten in their last 25 matches (22 wins, 3 draws). Only Lyon boast a longer streak, with 48 such games without a loss.
For Milan, however, their struggles in the Champions League knockout stages persist.
The Italian giants have now failed to win any of their last 12 away matches in the competition’s knockout rounds (four draws, seven losses), managing just three goals in their last 11 outings.
With a narrow lead in hand, Feyenoord will look to finish the job at at home next week, while Milan must regroup to avoid another early European exit.
