Feyenoord edge past Go Ahead Eagles; Almere keep relegation fight alive with win
Feyenoord picked up a difficult win over Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday to continue their fight for UEFA Champions League football. Robin van Persie’s side won 3-2 in De Kuip due to goals from Jakob Moder, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Igor Paixao.
Van Persie’s side are scoring regularly after a tough start where they didn’t score in the first three games under the newly appointed manager. They had beaten FC Twente 2-6 before the international break.
It was quite an even game between the sides, as it should be, Go Ahead Eagles were only three points behind Feyenoord in the league table before the match. Despite this, Feyenoord took the lead in the 33rd minute when Jakub Moder converted a penalty that had been given as a result of a foul on Anis Hadj Moussa.
It was 1-1 at halftime due to a sublime goal from the visitors. Victor Edvardsen let the ball run brilliantly so that he could continue his run and convert the chance after a layoff from Milan Smit.
Hadj Moussa followed up his contribution for the first goal with a goal in the 57th minute to give Feyenoord the lead. The Algerian winger dribbled past his marker before finishing into the far corner.
Hwang In-Beom, who had also made an error in the first half by failing to convert a significant chance, lost possession in a dangerous position on the hour mark which was then brutally punished by another brilliant Go Ahead Eagles team goal. This time, the quick intricate play was finished off by Oliver Antman.
The winning goal came from Igor Paixao in the 74th minute. The Go Ahead defence let the Brazilian get too close to goal, and he took advantage by shooting into the far corner.
It was an important win for Feyenoord and topped off a disastrous weekend for FC Twente. Joseph Oosting’s side lost the Twentse derby against Heracles Almelo due to two goals from Jizz Hornkamp. They are now four points behind Feyenoord, who are fourth.
The third placed side, FC Utrecht beat SC Heerenveen 2-0 to keep their third spot. AZ Alkmaar also had a poor weekend, giving away a 3-1 lead to draw with NEC Nijmegen. They are currently a point behind Twente in sixth.
Almere City picked up an important win away against fellow relegation candidate Willem II to leapfrog RKC Waalwijk and take themselves off the last spot. Charles-Andreas Brym and Marvin Martins scored for Jeroen Rijsdijk’s side. They are now six points behind Willem II.
