Europa League Knockout First Leg: Will AC Milan Be Affected by European Competitions Again? Roma and Feyenoord’s Unending Saga

As the Europa League knockout stage gets underway in the early hours of February 16, AC Milan fans find themselves contemplating the potential impact of European competitions on their team’s form. The Rossoneri had a tumultuous first half of the season, juggling domestic and continental duties with mixed results. While their form has markedly improved following the conclusion of the Champions League group stage, the return of European fixtures brings new challenges for Stefano Pioli’s side. Meanwhile, Roma faces a familiar foe in Feyenoord, marking their third consecutive season of knockout stage encounters in European competitions. Will the Giallorossi once again have the last laugh against the Dutch champions?

AC Milan vs. Rennes - Whose Form Is Better?

After securing their place in the Europa League knockout stage, AC Milan fans have mixed feelings about their progress. While the group stage opponents were formidable, finishing third was a plausible outcome. However, seeing Borussia Dortmund clinch the top spot in their group, despite being a comparable team in terms of strength, left the Rossoneri faithful with a sense of unfulfilled potential. Milan had managed to defeat the mighty Paris Saint-Germain, only to falter at home against Dortmund, a game where they failed to perform to their usual standards.

Under Stefano Pioli, AC Milan has often shown fluctuating form in the latter half of the season. This term, however, they have turned the script on its head. The team had a shaky start to the season, but since the turn of the year, they have been on a steady upward trajectory, notching up five wins and a draw in the league. While they remain distant from Serie A leaders Inter Milan, they have kept pace with Juventus and widened the gap with fourth-placed Atalanta, who have also been in fine form in 2024. This stability in the league has allowed Milan to focus on their European campaign without immediate domestic distractions.

On the other side, Rennes had a solid showing in the Europa League group stage. They were comprehensively outplayed by Villarreal, the 2021 champions, but managed to secure comfortable victories against the other teams in their group, topping the charts in terms of goals scored and goal difference. Since the start of 2024, Rennes has been in even better form, securing five consecutive wins in Ligue 1 and transforming from relegation battlers to European hopefuls. They have also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France, suggesting their current form is even better than Milan’s.

AC Milan’s erratic first half of the season was largely due to the demands of balancing domestic and European competitions. Now, with the Europa League knockout stage in full swing, will they once again experience a roller-coaster ride of form? Rennes, currently enjoying a purple patch, will pose a significant challenge. Despite Rennes' superior form, Milan’s strength and home advantage could result in a 2-2 draw in this leg.

Feyenoord vs. Roma - A Third Season of European Encounters

Feyenoord, last season’s Eredivisie champions, qualified directly for the Champions League group stage, where they showcased their credentials by defeating Lazio, Roma’s city rivals. This victory earned them respect, considering Lazio had previously overcome Bayern Munich. However, Feyenoord faced an uphill battle against stronger group opponents, ultimately failing to secure enough points to advance. Despite being better than some group rivals in head-to-head matchups, they couldn’t progress, which is a rarity in itself.

Roma, last season’s Europa League runners-up, finished their group stage with 13 points, the highest among second-placed teams. Unfortunately, they were outshone by the Czech team Slavia Prague, which meant they had to vie for a spot in the Round of 16 against one of the Champions League dropouts. Last weekend, Roma faced Serie A leaders Inter Milan and suffered their first defeat under new manager Daniele De Rossi. The loss was to a superior side, and it is unlikely to shake the players' or fans' confidence in De Rossi’s leadership.

Starting from the UEFA Conference League final two seasons ago, Roma and Feyenoord have now met in European knockout stages for three consecutive seasons, with Roma emerging victorious on each occasion, albeit with increasing difficulty. This time, both teams have significant league commitments that will inevitably influence their performances in this match. A closely contested 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome for this leg.

AC Milan’s European Challenge

AC Milan’s journey in the Champions League this season has been a rollercoaster. The Rossoneri were drawn into a challenging group alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United. Milan’s performances were a mix of highs and lows, highlighted by a memorable victory against PSG but marred by disappointing results against Dortmund. This inconsistency saw them drop into the Europa League, where they now face the daunting task of balancing their domestic ambitions with European commitments.

Milan’s form in the latter half of the season has been markedly different. The team has shown resilience and consistency, which were lacking in the earlier part of the campaign. They have closed the gap on Juventus and widened the distance between themselves and Atalanta, cementing their position in the top three of Serie A. This resurgence can be attributed to the stability in their squad and the tactical acumen of Stefano Pioli. The question now is whether they can maintain this form as they re-enter the rigors of European competition.

Rennes, their opponents, have been a revelation in Ligue 1 this season. They have transformed from relegation strugglers to European contenders, thanks to a series of impressive performances. Their form in the Europa League has been commendable, with the team showing resilience and consistency. The challenge for Milan will be to contain Rennes’ attacking prowess and capitalize on their own strengths to secure a positive result in the first leg.

The Roma-Feyenoord Saga Continues

For Roma, the Europa League represents an opportunity to redeem themselves after a mixed campaign in Serie A. The Giallorossi have been inconsistent in the league, with a string of mixed results that have left them fighting for a top-four finish. Their performance in the Europa League, however, has been more promising, with the team displaying the kind of resilience and quality that has been missing domestically.

Feyenoord, on the other hand, have had a strong season in the Eredivisie and performed admirably in the Champions League group stage. Despite not progressing, their performances earned them respect and showcased their potential. The Dutch champions are eager to make a mark in the Europa League and will be keen to exact revenge on Roma, who have been their nemesis in recent European campaigns.

The clash between Roma and Feyenoord is a testament to the enduring nature of football rivalries. The two teams have developed a competitive edge over the past few seasons, with each encounter adding a new chapter to their shared history. This season’s matchup promises to be another intense and closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a place in the next round of the Europa League.

Balancing Domestic and European Ambitions

For both AC Milan and Roma, the challenge lies in balancing their domestic and European ambitions. Milan’s priority is to secure a top-four finish in Serie A, which would guarantee their return to the Champions League next season. At the same time, they have a strong desire to progress in the Europa League, a competition that offers not only prestige but also financial rewards. The key for Milan will be to manage their squad effectively and maintain their form across both competitions.

Roma, too, face a similar challenge. The Giallorossi are in the midst of a tight battle for a top-four finish in Serie A, which is crucial for their long-term ambitions. At the same time, they are determined to make a deep run in the Europa League, a competition that offers them a chance to add to their European trophy cabinet. The key for Roma will be to manage the physical and mental demands of competing on multiple fronts and to ensure that their squad remains fresh and focused.

Conclusion

As the Europa League knockout stage gets underway, AC Milan and Roma face crucial tests of their resolve and ambition. For Milan, the challenge is to maintain their upward trajectory and avoid the inconsistency that plagued them earlier in the season. For Roma, the task is to overcome a familiar foe and continue their journey in the competition. Both teams have the quality and experience to succeed, but they will need to navigate the demands of competing on multiple fronts if they are to achieve their goals. The first leg of the knockout stage promises to be an intriguing and closely contested affair, with both teams eager to make their mark and secure a place in the next round of the Europa League.