Feyenoord is set to make a long-awaited return to the Champions League knockout stage as they prepare to host AC Milan at De Kuip for the first leg of their playoff this Wednesday.
This marks a significant moment for the Rotterdam-based club, who last faced the Italian giants in 1970 during a European Cup tie. That encounter proved historic, as Feyenoord not only advanced but went on to claim the trophy.
Over five decades later, the stakes are equally high, with the winner of this tie set to face either Arsenal or Inter Milan in the last 16.
Under UEFA’s revamped format, Feyenoord secured their place in the knockout phase for the first time since 1985, finishing 19th in the league phase. Their journey has been nothing short of thrilling, highlighted by a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich and a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
However, their campaign hasn’t been without setbacks, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to Lille. Managed by Brian Priske, Feyenoord has been a team to watch, delivering high-scoring matches throughout the group stage. In fact, only Barcelona’s games saw more goals than theirs.
Yet, their defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, as they conceded more goals than any of the other 24 teams that advanced.
STREAM:Feyenoord vs. AC Milan in US on Paramount+ (free trial)
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the US:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Paramount+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers.
WATCH:Best of Champions League action LIVE in US on Paramount+ (free trial)
What time does Feyenoord vs. AC Milan kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) in Rotterdam, Netherlands and kicks off on Tuesday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that translates across the U.S:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Feb. 12 | 3 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Feb. 12 | 2 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Feb. 12 | 1 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Feb. 12 | 12 p.m. |
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan lineups, team news
Feyenoord remain without several key players, as Brian Priske has hinted that Gernot Trauner is unlikely to return for a third consecutive match. Injuries continue to sideline Justin Bijlow, Calvin Stengs, Chris-Kevin Nadje, and Ramiz Zerrouki, with Timon Wellenreuther expected to start in goal once again.
However, there is some positive news for Priske—Quilindschy Hartman made his comeback from a serious knee injury over the weekend, and January arrival Jakub Moder has been added to the squad for the knockout rounds. In attack, Igor Paixao — who registered four assists in the group stage, second only to Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere—will likely feature alongside either Ayase Ueda or Julian Carranza.
Feyenoord predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Wellenreuther (GK) — Nieuwkoop, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman — Moder, Timber, Hwang — Hadj-Moussa, Ueda, Paixao.
Injured: Justin Bijlow, Calvin Stengs, Chris-Kevin Nadje, Ramiz Zerrouki, Gernot Trauner
Suspended: None
AC Milan will be without Emerson Royal (calf), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (thigh), and Alessandro Florenzi (knee) due to injury, while Yunus Musah is suspended. Meanwhile, recent signings Riccardo Sottil and Warren Bondo have not been included in the UEFA squad.
Christian Pulisic, who netted four times in the group stage—setting a record for the most goals by an American in a single Champions League campaign—should be a key part of Milan’s attacking setup. Up front, former Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who scored 65 goals in 105 appearances for the Dutch club, will compete with Tammy Abraham for a starting spot.
Milan have also strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Kyle Walker and Joao Felix, both of whom could play a role in this knockout clash.
AC Milan predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Maignan (GK) — Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez — Fofana, Reijnders — Pulisic, Felix, Leao — Gimenez.
Injured: Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alessandro Florenzi
Suspended: Yunus Musah
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan prediction
Feyenoord have struggled to find consistency, while AC Milan’s away form has often been unconvincing.
With both sides having defensive vulnerabilities, an entertaining contest is likely, with goals at both ends. A draw could be on the cards, leaving the second leg finely poised.
Prediction: Feyenoord 1-1 AC Milan
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, February 11
- Brest vs. PSG (12:45 p.m.)
- Juventus vs. PSV (3:00 p.m.)
- Man City vs. Real Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
- Sporting Lisbon vs. Borussia Dortmund (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, February 12
- Club Brugge vs. Atalanta (12:45 p.m.)
- Celtic vs. Bayern Munich (3:00 p.m.)
- Feyenoord vs. AC Milan (3:00 p.m.)
- Monaco vs. Benfica (3:00 p.m.)