FC Utrecht pick up a vital win away at Feyenoord
FC Utrecht picked up a hugely important win on Sunday in their first match of 2025. Ron Jans’ team beat Feyenoord 1-2 in De Kuip, Rotterdam. Goals from Niklas Vesterlund and Paxten Aaronson ensured that Utrecht is now four points ahead of Feyenoord in the table in third spot.
Feyenoord was missing two regular midfielders, Quinten Timber and Hwang In-Beom. They were replaced in the team by Ramiz Zerrouki and Calvin Stengs. Sebastien Haller was on the bench for Utrecht after he completed his move back to the club from Borussia Dortmund on loan in midweek.
The home team was the better side in the first half. Igor Paixao came closest to breaking the deadlock when he struck the post with a free kick in the 16th minute.
Brian Priske’s side created two more opportunities before halftime. David Hancko showed his quality movement in the box on both occasions, but he failed to convert.
Utrecht took the lead just before the hour mark. A corner by Souffian El Karouani was met by a looping header from Vesterlund, which went into the far corner. This came shortly after Haller had come on to make his return in Utrecht colors.
Haller played a role in the second goal. The Ivory Coast striker spun before playing a through ball for Yoann Cathline, whose cross was knocked home by Aaronsen.
Feyenoord got a goal back in the 81st minute after Gimenez converted a penalty, which was awarded after El Karouani was deemed to have handled the ball. This set up an exciting final stage of the match, but Feyenoord was not able to get the decisive second goal.
The Rotterdammers will most likely be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday when they face Rijnsburgse Boys in the KNVB Cup. FC Utrecht will travel to RKC Waalwijk on the same night.
