Zlatan Ibrahimovic took charge of AC Milan's press conference on Monday ahead of the rematch against Feyenoord. Standing in for Sérgio Conceição, who was absent due to the funeral of former FC Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, he expects I Rossoneri to put in a more aggressive performance.
Milan entered the second leg of their Champions League knockout round clash with a clear objective: to overturn the disappointment of their defeat at De Kuip and prove that they belong among Europe’s elite.
The loss in Rotterdam had not only put their qualification hopes in jeopardy but also raised questions about the team’s ability to handle high-pressure situations on the continental stage. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now part of the club’s leadership, had full confidence in the squad’s ability to respond.
"I expect a sharper and more aggressive Milan," Ibrahimovic stated in the pre-match press conference. "We have to win and we want to win to progress in the tournament. I want an approach that resembles a final. Every match is different we need to focus on ourselves and do what we can. These are the moments that matter: when there's a lot at stake, it's always special for a footballer." His words were not just motivational but also a clear challenge to the players, urging them to rise to the occasion in front of their home fans.
The build-up to the match was filled with anticipation. The defeat in Rotterdam had exposed certain weaknesses in Milan’s game, particularly in their defensive organization and lack of urgency in attack. Against Feyenoord, a team known for its disciplined structure and physical intensity, Milan had struggled to break through. Coach Stefano Pioli spent the days leading up to the return fixture working on tactical adjustments, reinforcing the need for a faster transition from defense to attack and a more proactive approach in pressing high up the pitch.
Ibrahimovic, despite not being involved as a player, remained a central figure in the dressing room. His presence alone served as a reminder of Milan’s illustrious history in the Champions League, a competition that had defined the club’s greatest moments. "For the history of Milan, this competition has always been crucial," he reiterated. "We work to deliver results. Tomorrow will be a completely different match, with 80,000 AC Milan fans not only those in the stadium but also those supporting us all over the world." The emphasis on the fans was no coincidence Milan’s home crowd has long been regarded as one of the most passionate in Europe, capable of creating an atmosphere that can push the team to another level.
When the match finally kicked off at San Siro, it was clear that Milan had absorbed Ibrahimovic’s message. The team played with an intensity and determination that had been missing in the first leg. From the opening minutes, they pressed high, forcing Feyenoord into mistakes and preventing the Dutch side from settling into their rhythm. Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic were particularly lively on the wings, using their pace and creativity to stretch the Feyenoord defense.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Olivier Giroud capitalized on a well-worked move to put Milan ahead. The goal was met with an explosion of noise from the stands, a moment of relief as much as celebration. But Milan knew that one goal would not be enough. Feyenoord, resilient as ever, responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, forcing Mike Maignan into a crucial save just before halftime.
The second half saw Milan continue their aggressive approach. In the 60th minute, a moment of brilliance from Theo Hernández saw the full-back make a surging run from deep, combining with Leão before delivering a pinpoint cross for Tijjani Reijnders to score Milan’s second. It was a goal that encapsulated everything Ibrahimovic had demanded: speed, aggression, and a killer instinct in the final third.
However, Feyenoord refused to go down without a fight. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Santiago Giménez pulled a goal back, setting up a tense final quarter of an hour. Milan had to dig deep, defending resolutely as Feyenoord threw everything forward in search of a dramatic equalizer. Simon Kjær and Fikayo Tomori led by example at the back, making key interventions to keep the Dutch side at bay.
As the final whistle blew, relief and jubilation swept through the San Siro. Milan had done enough, securing a 2-1 victory that not only kept their European hopes alive but also restored confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. The celebrations on the pitch reflected the significance of the win, with players embracing and acknowledging the fans who had played their part in creating a formidable home advantage.
For Ibrahimovic, the match was a vindication of his belief in the squad. His call for a "final-like" approach had been answered, and Milan had delivered when it mattered most. The victory also provided a statement to the rest of Europe: Milan are still a force to be reckoned with. The journey in the Champions League continues, and with performances like this, they have every reason to believe that they can go even further.
