‘Champions League treasure’ – the economic motivation for Milan to beat Feyenoord

AC Milan were not at their best in the Champions League play-off game against Feyenoord last week, but on Tuesday evening they get another shot at it.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport write this morning, it is not just a question of money, but it is certainly an important factor. By qualifying for the Champions League round of 16, Milan would make up for the mistake made against Dinamo Zagreb and collect €11m in prize money.

That sum would be added to the €61.3m that had already arrived after the first eight matches split between participation fee, market pool, ten-year ranking and a share relating to the results collected. Then, there are the box office revenues that the club gets, too.

Money isn’t everything, or if you prefer, it’s a consequence of what a comeback would mean for the club. Returning to the round of 16 after the mission was failed last season would be significant and the Rossoneri’s DNA is very much European.

It’s no coincidence that on Friday, in the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Geoffrey Moncada, Sergio Conceiçao asked for a jolt in the form of a double win against Hellas Verona and Feyenoord, to stay in the running for the Champions League spots and perhaps play another Euroderby.

The minimum objective, to be achieved at all costs, is to enter the top four in the league to also participate in the most prestigious European competition in 2025-26, but a run in the current edition is also desired.