DFMedia Posted 13 hours ago After a frustrating first half, things were looking up for Milan. They were a goal up with just over a minute left to play after a Christian Pulisic cross was nodded back across by Malick Thiaw and Gimenez tucked it in. It seemed like a routine ac milan goal for the young defender who spent over 30 million euros in January to snag from Feyenoord. However, it was not to be. Theo's lapse Who knows what thoughts were raging through the mind of Theo Hernandez, beneath his shocking pink tufts of hair, when he decided to try to con the referee and win a penalty in the 51st minute of Milan's Champions League playoff second leg against Feyenoord. Milan had a 2-0 lead and was dominating the game at home to a team they beat 1-0 in the first leg. It was the Mexico forward's goal that was supposed to turn this tie into a stroll to the last 16 — he even refused to celebrate against his former club out of respect. But in a game of fine margins, a single brainded decision can change everything and Theo's dive ended up costing Milan a place in the last 16. He was right to blame himself, but the players also failed him. From Leao's wasted opportunities to reddit's meme favorite Joao Felix failing to give him a reference point, Milan wasted too many chances. Gimenez's penalty Santiago Tomas Gimenez missed a penalty against Napoli that condemned Milan to another defeat and further diminished their Champions League hopes. The Rossoneri had a golden chance to draw level in the 67th minute after Theo Hernandez was fouled in the box. Sergio Conceicao opted to give the ball to Gimenez rather than Christian Pulisic, and it was a decision that backfired. After a good debut in the Coppa Italia against Cruz Azul and a goal on his first start in Serie A against Empoli, Gimenez has struggled for the past eight games. He did not look in confident form when he took the kick, which was saved by Meret. Despite the disappointment of the miss, Gimenez has done well since joining the club from Feyenoord. He has scored a goal and provided an assist for Rafael Leao in his two appearances off the bench, moving the Rossoneri closer to the top four in Serie A. Pulisic's missed penalty After a flurry of substitutions, the USMNT star was restored to the starting lineup for this important match. He patrolled the right wing in Milan's 4-4-3 formation and logged 61 touches, most of the starters beyond the defensive line. He also attempted two shots, including a ferocious shot that was saved by Feyenoord goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian keeper has a superb record from penalties and his reflexes were enough to parry the American's strike. But he was sacrificed in the 64th minute to reintroduce a left back (Davide Bartesaghi) following Hernandez's ending off. The decision seemed to be a tactical one as Gimenez was set to take the penalty. Luka Jovic came on later to score a consolation, but the damage had been done. Milan will have to improve in Europe if they want to avoid another season without Champions League football next year. And that task will not be easy with two of their top players unavailable for the next round of the Europa League playoffs. Pulisic's assist Christian Pulisic, whose arrival in Milan was greeted with skepticism, and Tijjani Reijnders have been the club's most consistent performers this season. The two Americans have accounted for nearly a goal per game for the Rossoneri this season. On Saturday, Pulisic came off the bench in the second half to set up Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez in a 2-0 victory over Empoli. The USMNT star had 61 touches and completed 22 of his 23 pass attempts. He also had the best chance of scoring himself when he broke through on goal in the 76th minute, but his shot hit the crossbar. Gimenez has gotten off to a great start since joining the team, recording an assist and two goals in his first three games for the Rossoneri. The pair will be hoping to continue their good work when they face Feyenoord in the Champions League playoff round on Feb. 18. The first leg is in Rotterdam and the return is at the San Siro a week later.
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