In Rotterdam at De Kuip last week, Feyenoord won 1-0, and in Milan, they do not expect an easy path to the Round of 16, ahead of the rematch at San Siro tonight. Their inconsistent form and weaker performance in the Netherlands serve as a warning to coach Conceição and the players that they will need to play at their best if they want to advance. A 1-0 victory over Verona provides some hope, but many expect more, especially from the attackers. Rafael Leão has recently been the target of some critics, to the extent that Milan board member Zlatan Ibrahimović had to step in.Serie A assist leaders in last five seasons:🇵🇹 Rafael Leão (36)🇮🇹 Nicolò Barella (33)🇹🇷 Hakan Çalhanoğlu (32)🇮🇹 Domenico Berardi (31)🇦🇲 Henrikh Mkhitaryan (29) Top of the charts 🏄♂️✨ pic.twitter.com/LZyWgjrMvi— Matt Santangelo (@Matt_Santangelo) February 15, 2025 The experienced Swede spoke to the press as Sérgio Conceição had to leave for the funeral of former Porto president Pinto da Costa.”It’s clear that we have to play this match as if it were a final. Everyone is talking about Leão, telling him how to play. He is one of the best forwards in the world, so he knows very well what to do. You can tell him tactically where he should be positioned, but you can’t force him to run more. You don’t explain to him how to play—he explains it to you. Don’t worry, Leão knows what he’s doing” Zlatan reassured the fans.Santi says ‘Avanti’ – Mexican ‘ruthless executor’ launches AC Milan past VeronaMilan has had ups and downs this season, as has Leão.”It’s normal to have weaker moments. It’s not easy to perform at the highest level every day, but in the long run, you have to work. Right now, we’re focusing on mentality and teamwork. Even when things aren’t going well, the right mentality has to be shown. I talk to the players every day, trying to find solutions, but you can’t overwhelm them with too much information. It’s like telling your wife every day that you love her—you have to show it through actions,” Zlatan explained with an analogy.’Leao is one of the best in the world’For this match, Milan will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Fofana, Chukwueze, and Theo Hernández are at risk of suspension. As for Feyenoord, interim coach Pascal Bosschaart is dealing with a long injury list, with 11 players unavailable: Andrejev, Ka, Bueno, Mitchell, Geertruida, Stengs, Zand, Van den Elshout, Ivanusec, Redmond, and Sliti. Despite this, Bosschaart expects his team to put up a strong fight. But will that be enough, we shall see tonight.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSReturn legTuesday 20.45: (1.45) Milan (4.50) Feyenoord (7.00)23.00: (1.55) Atalanta (4.10) Club Brugge (6.00)23.00: (1.20) Bayern (7.25) Celtic (12.0)23.00: (1.95) Benfica (3.50) Monaco (3.90)Wednesday 20.45: (1.95) Dortmund (3.50) Sporting (3.90)23.00: (1.18) PSG (7.25) Brest (15.0)23.00: (2.30) PSV (3.45) Juventus (3.05)23.00: (1.85) Real Madrid (3.80) Man.City (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
