Feyenoord vs AC Milan
Feyenoord and AC Milan failed to secure a Top 8 spot in the new Champions League format, and they will square off at De Kuip on Wednesday evening. The hosts finished 19th in the table with 13 points, while the visitors took the 13th seed with 15 points.
The hosts might not be in the right state of mind heading into Wednesday because they don’t have a head coach after the sudden sacking of Brian Priske. In a statement released by the team, Feyenoord fired Priske, citing inconsistent results and a lack of chemistry as the main reasons. Well, at least they’re fresh from a convincing 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie last weekend.
AC Milan are peaking at the right time, as they’ve only lost one of their last six matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory against Empoli in Serie A last Saturday. The winner of this tie will likely meet Arsenal or Inter Milan in the Round of 16.
Talking Points
Paixao is Feyenoord’s bright spot
Feyenoord are adjusting to life without their star striker Santiago Gimenez, who will be playing on the other side this Wednesday, and the team will look for Igor Paixao to shoulder the heavy offencive load. Paixao is the Feyenoord’s joint-leading scorer and top playmaker with six league goals and seven assists this season.
The Brazilian forward has five Champions League goal involvements this term, including four assists to lead everyone during the league phase. Paixao will need help from Quinten Timber, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Ayase Ueda, and Julian Carranza, who have combined for 16 league goals this season.
The odds are stacked against Feyenoord because their absentee list remains unchanged. Gernot Trauner, Justin Bijlow, Calvin Stengs, Chris-Kevin Nadje, and Ramiz Zerrouki are out against AC Milan.
Timon Wellenreuther will take over the No. 1 spot. Left-back Quilindschy Hartman recently returned from a serious knee injury on Saturday, and Jakub Moder is registered just in time for the knockout phase to strengthen their midfield depth.
Gimenez finds new home in AC Milan
AC Milan are one of the biggest winners in the winter transfer window, with the additions of Santiago Gimenez, Kyle Walker, Joao Felix, Warren Bondo, and Riccardo Sottil. Gimenez is already enjoying playing with his new team, and he scored his first Rossoneri goal in their 2-0 result over Empoli last weekend. Joao Felix also recorded his first AC Milan goal against AS Roma in last week’s Coppa Italia quarter-final.
Gimenez holds the keys to beating Feyenoord, his former team. The Mexican striker will go head-to-head against his former central defender, David Hancko, just like old times.
The Rossoneri will miss several players in the first leg, as Emerson Royal (calf), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (thigh), and Alessandro Florenzi (knee) are still in the medical room. Yunus Musah is also out due to a suspension.
History
Feyenoord and AC Milan will meet for only the third time this Wednesday. These two teams last met in the second round of the 1969-70 Champions League, where AC Milan won 1-0 in the first leg and Feyenoord won 2-0 in the return leg to advance to the next round. The Rotterdam-based club went on to win the prestigious European trophy, beating Celtic 2-1 in the final.
AC Milan have failed to win their last four European matches against Dutch opposition (D3, L1) since a 3-1 result over SC Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup in October 2008. The Rossoneri have also failed to win their last 11 away games in Champions League knockout rounds (D4, L7).
Feyenoord are playing in the knockouts of the Champions League for the first time since the 1984-85 campaign. They’ve lost just one of their 11 European home games against Italian sides (W6, D4).
Betting Tip
The Champions League 2025 odds expect a victory from the visitors this Wednesday. AC Milan have a slight edge at 2.20, whereas Feyenoord aren’t far behind at 2.94, and a draw is at 3.25 in the 1X2 market. Whoever wins the first leg will likely advance to the Round of 16.
SBOTOP bettors and football fans will likely get their dose of Champions League 2025 highlights from this contest. Besides our recommended bet, you can also go for alternatives like Over 2.50 at 1.74, Over 2.75 at 1.94, and Total Goals 2-3 at 2.02. Meanwhile, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Feyenoord – the result of the last meeting between the two sides – has a tempting 18.50 offer.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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