Feyenoord’s European struggles continue with 2-0 defeat to Stuttgart in Germany
Feyenoord suffered another defeat in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening, away to German side VFB Stuttgart. Robin van Persie’s side lost 2-0, making it their third loss in four European games.
It was a cagey game in which Feyenoord struggled to create many chances of note, a problem that the Rotterdammers have had to contend with in most of their European games this season. A total of 48 fouls were made in the game, the highest in a European club game since 2018.
Van Persie was forced to improvise with his side as they were missing Hwang In-Beom, Sem Steijn, Oussama Targhalline, and Jakub Moder. Van Persie decided to put Cyle Larin in the attacking midfield position, while starting Gonzalo Borges on the left wing.
Feyenoord’s biggest chance of the match came early. A fantastic pass from Luciano Valente found captain Anis Hadj Moussa in a one v one situation that he thrives on. The Algerian was able to get the shot off, but it was straight at Alexander Nubel.
The home side was also struggling to create chances in the MHP Arena. Their first chance came in the 69th minute when Deniz Undav was played in by Chema Andres, but the German international saw his shot saved by Timon Wellenreuther. The resulting cross was also headed wide by Jamie Leweling.
This was the home team’s biggest chance, that is, until the 84th minute. Lorenz Assignon received the ball on the wing, and his cross was perfectly inviting for Bilal El Khannous, who headed it in via the underside of the bar.
It was clear from this point that Feyenoord were facing another defeat, as Van Persie’s side struggled to create anything of note in the closing stages, but the home side made sure of the win in injury time.
A well-crafted counterattack led to Chris Fuhrich playing a pass across the box to Undav, who had continued his run after starting the attack, giving the 29-year-old the chance to tap home and make it 2-0.
The Rotterdammers are currently top of the Eredivisie table, but their European form is the polar opposite. They are currently 29th in the 36-team league; the positions from 12th to 24th result in a playoff spot.
Van Persie’s side face Celtic at home in their next game. Celtic have won one game and drawn one game in the competition, losing the other two matches. They face Go Ahead Eagles away in the Eredivisie this weekend.
