Feyenoord suffer second defeat in a row in the UEFA Europa League against Aston Villa
Feyenoord were defeated in their second UEFA Europa League game in a row on Thursday. The Rotterdammers lost 2-0 to Aston Villa in De Kuip. Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn scored the goal for the English. It is the first time that Feyenoord has 0 points after two games in a European competition since the 2017-18 season, when the club was playing in the UEFA Champions League.
Feyenoord went with a full-strength side on this occasion. Robin van Persie decided to field a mostly second-choice team in the Rotterdammers’ first game against Portuguese side Braga. This ended in a 1-0 defeat. Two changes were made to the side that beat FC Groningen in the Eredivisie on the weekend. Gijs Smal came in for Jordan Bos, and Sem Steijn came into the side for Oussama Targhalline.
The home team had its first chance to break the deadlock in the 28th minute. A cross from Givairo Read found Ayase Ueda in the box. The Japanese striker, who has scored six times in the Eredivisie thus far this season, saw his effort saved by Aston Villa’s Dutch goalkeeper, Marco Bizot.
Van Persie’s side were dominant throughout the first half, and they came close to scoring twice in quick succession a minute later. Leo Sauer beat full-back Matty Cash before finding Steijn in the box. His effort was stopped from going in by Aston Villa’s Dutch left back, Ian Maatssen.
Shortly after this, Read found Ueda again with a cross; this time, this chance was easier for Ueda, but his header went wide.
In the second half, Villa finally showed some of the quality that resulted in them finishing sixth in the Premier League last season. Their first dangerous attack came in the 51st minute. Maatssen came forward and played a pass to Evann Guessand, but the Ivorian winger hit the post with his attempt.
Feyenoord were made to rue their missed chances on the hour mark when Villa broke the deadlock. Boubacar Kamara did well to win the ball near the Feyenoord box, and this was appreciated by Emiliano Buendia, who took a touch before curling the ball into the far corner.
Unai Emery’s side made it 2-0 in the 79th minute. The goal was created by Oranje international Donyell Malen, who had come on as a substitute. The winger received the ball on the halfway line, spun past Anel Ahmedhodžic, and continued his run until he was tackled in the Feyenoord penalty area. The tackle led to the ball rolling straight to John McGinn, and the Scottish midfielder converted the chance to make it three goals in three games for him.
Bizot made another vital save for the visitors in the final stages when he blocked Luciano Valente’s effort from close range after Ueda had knocked it down for him.
Feyenoord will now turn its attention back to the Eredivisie, where they lead PSV by three points in first place. They face a difficult opponent in FC Utrecht on Sunday before the international break.
