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By STEFAN BURGHILA Published: 08: 24 AEDT, 19 February 2025 | Updated: 09: 07 AEDT, 19 February 2025 8 View comments Theo Hernandez's red card against Feyenoord has crushed AC Milan's hopes of progressing to the Champions League round of 16. Despite a 1-0 defeat at Feyenoord in the first leg a week ago, the Rossoneri were in a strong position, taking a one-goal lead that could only pave their way to the next knockout stage. AC Milan newcomer Santiago Gimenez opened the lead in the first minute of the game, following an assist by his German team-mate Malick Thiaw. However, Kyle Walker and Co saw their chances sabotaged by an incident that spoiled the night for the Rossoneri fans at San Siro. Former Real Madrid star Theo Hernandez was shown a second yellow card by referee Szymon Marciniak following an alleged simulation inside the opponent's box. Match replays have demonstrated that, after a quick counter-attack followed by a pass from Rafael Leao, instead of trying to control the ball, the France international clearly dived in an attempt to earn a penalty shot for his team. Theo Hernandez was shown as red card during AC Milan's Champions League clash against Feyenoord Replays have shown that the former Real Madrid star simulated a dive in the opponent's box AC Milan's hopes were dashed after conceding a goal in the second half, despite having a 1-0 lead at San Siro  Theo Hernandez sees a second yellow and is sent off for simulation ? Milan are down to 10-men ? ? @tntsports & @discoveryplus UK pic. twitter. com/H2p U1r8WQt Furthermore, the game's official, Marciniak, was adamant about his decision to get a second yellow card despite Hernandez and Walker begging the referee to reconsider. With only 10 men on the pitch, it was only a matter of time before Feyenoord took the lead in the tie, despite recording only one shot on target throughout the entire game. Julian Carranza - who was brought on in the second half - scored the equaliser, and the winner on aggregate, in the 73rd minute. Following Hernandez's dismissal, Milan made an attempt to control the game by playing Chelsea loanee Joao Felix in a false nine position. However, after they saw Carranza finding the back of the net, former Premier League star Tammy Abraham entered the match in the 83rd minute, yet failed to make an impact. Hopes were high at San Siro after Sergio Conceicao's band won the Italian Super Cup Final against rivals and favourite Inter Milan last month, just one game after his arrival. But they seem to lack solidity in the domestic league, currently sitting in seventh place in the Serie A table, with only 11 victories out of 24 matches. Milan have already qualified for the Coppa Italia semi-final, waiting for their opponent between Inter and Lazio, who are set to face each other on February 25. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group