Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao is seriously considering fielding an ultra-offensive Milan lineup against Feyenoord in Rotterdam. The idea of Pulisic, João Félix, Leão, and Giménez playing together is highly enticing. However, for this to work, Pulisic and Leão would have to shoulder additional defensive responsibilities when Milan is out of possession. Likewise, Theo Hernández and Walker would need to be nearly flawless, Fofana would have to cover an immense amount of ground, and Tomori and Pavlović would have to play with minimal room for error. This is why Conceicao might ultimately opt for a more cautious starting lineup, with Terracciano in midfield (as Musa is suspended due to yellow cards) and a 4-3-3 formation.LIVE BLOG UCL playoffs: Celtic hosting Bayern, Milan travelling to the NetherlandsItalian media have already dubbed Milan’s attacking quartet—composed of an American, two Portuguese, and a Mexican—the Fantastic Four. Naturally, tonight, there is an expectation that the unwritten rule will be confirmed: strikers tend to score against their former clubs. It has been less than a month since Feyenoord’s biggest achievement of the season—a victory over Bayern—with a brace from Giménez. Conceicao is still haunted by the defeat in Zagreb, which complicated Milan’s path and forced them to play two additional Champions League matches. It seems the Portuguese coach is determined to seal Milan’s spot in the Round of 16 tonight at De Kuip—the stadium where he scored a hat-trick for Portugal against Germany in the 2000 European Championship, one of the most satisfying moments of his playing career. The Dutch side is struggling, far from the top of the Eredivisie table, having changed their coach again and sold their best player, Santiago Giménez. Their only real bright spot in 2025 so far was that shocking 3-0 Champions League win over Bayern. In short, everything seems to be in Milan’s favor.Ibra signed Felix after five minute debateThe struggles and injuries of Napoli and Inter in recent weeks have reignited Atalanta’s hopes of rejoining the Scudetto race. However, the Goddess’ coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has heightened his players’ focus, emphasizing that tonight’s match against Club Brugge is the most important game of the season. Gasperini has dismissed fatigue as an excuse: “In the Champions League, tiredness cannot be used as an alibi.” However, he admitted that injuries and absences are a concern, particularly goalkeeper Carnesecchi, who will be on the bench instead of starting as he is still taking antibiotics due to a severe cold.I nerazzurri convocati per #BruggeAtalanta 📝Our squad list for Club Brugge vs. Atalanta 🚨#UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/PkUEGGTyeI— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 11, 2025 Tonight’s clash carries special significance for Charles De Ketelaere, as he previously played for Club Brugge before moving to Italy. The Belgian has warned his teammates to be cautious, as Brugge has spent the past two weeks carefully studying Atalanta: “They know us down to the smallest detail and can cause us problems. They stopped Juve, and they can stop us too.” Gasperini is placing his hopes primarily on De Ketelaere, despite his dip in form in recent months, and especially on Retegui. The Italian international has not been as effective in the Champions League as he has been in Serie A—scoring 20 goals in 22 league matches but only three goals in eight Champions League appearances. In Bergamo, they are hopeful that Retegui will step up in the latter half of the season, particularly in Europe.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSTuesday Brest – PSG 0-3 (0-2)/Vitinha 21(p), Dembele 45,66/Juventus – PSV 2-1 (1-0)/McKennie 34, Mbangula 82 – Perisic 56/Man.City – Real Madrid 2-2 (1-0)/Haaland 19, 80 – Mbappe 60, Diaz 86/Sporting – Dortmund 0-3 (0-0)/Guirassy 60, Gross 68, Adeyemi 82/Wednesday20.45: (3.60) Club Brugge (3.40) Atalanta (2.10)23.00: (7.75) Celtic (4.80) Bayern (1.40)23.00: (2.95) Feyenoord (3.45) Milan (2.35)23.00: (2.35) Monaco (3.45) Benfica (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
