Feyenoord close in on Champions League as relegation fight heats up
Feyenoord took a huge step towards UEFA Champions League qualification on Sunday when they scored twice in the last 10 minutes to beat Fortuna Sittard away. Givairo Read’s 90th-minute winner puts Feyenoord five points ahead of their nearest challengers, NEC, with two games remaining.
Fortuna had taken the lead in the 50th minute when a cross from Dimitrios Limnios was headed into the corner by former Ajax forward Kaj Sierhuis. It had been a deserved lead, with Feyenoord producing another underwhelming performance under manager Robin van Persie.
The game was turned on its head in the 80th minute when Paul Gladden was sent off for the home side after a lengthy VAR review. Gladon had come in for the ball with Feyenoord keeper Timon Wellenreuther and made contact with his studs on the German’s leg.
Feyenoord equalized four minutes later. A cross from Jordan Bos was headed towards the far corner by Eredivisie top scorer Ayase Ueda, it was saved spectacularly by Mattijs Branderhorst before Tsuyoshi Watanabe was on hand to nod home the rebound.
The Rotterdam bench sprinted onto the pitch in the 90th minute when they snatched a win with a fortunate goal. Right back Givairo Read’s shot was deflected over Branderhorst and into the net, sending the Feyenoord players and staff into a frenzy.
The victory was even more important as all the teams around Feyenoord failed to win. A dramatic final few minutes between NEC and Telstar resulted in a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening. Ajax and FC Twente also drew against PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar, respectively.
At the bottom rank of the table, it is looking like NAC Breda’s relegation fears are becoming more real. NAC is six points behind FC Volendam in the relegation spot with two games remaining. Carl Hoefkens’ side conceded two late goals against FC Utrecht on Saturday after a first-half sending off for Mohamed Nassoh had made their task a lot more difficult.
PEC Zwolle had fired themselves to Eredivisie safety this weekend with a win against already relegated Heracles Almelo. Telstar’s hard-fought draw against NEC puts them ahead of FC Volendam, who are in the relegation playoff spot, on goal difference. Volendam were beaten 2-0 by SC Heerenveen this weekend.
It was a weekend for late goals as Excelsior took a step towards Eredivisie survival due to a 90th-minute winner by Gyan de Regt away against FC Groningen. The game finished 3-2 to the Rotterdammers, who are three points ahead of Volendam and Telstar.
