Feyenoord was on a roll, racking up five straight wins in the Eredivisie. Then came the trip to AZ Alkmaar, and suddenly, their perfect start hit a speed bump. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. This result is certainly a talking point for the Rotterdam team, especially since they are heading to Pedreira to face Sp. Braga this Wednesday.
What a rollercoaster of a game it was. Feyenoord actually fell behind early on. They managed to turn the score around, showing real grit. But then, reduced to just ten players on the field, they let what seemed like a guaranteed victory slip away. A penalty in the very last seconds of added time sealed their fate.
Let’s look at the goals that unfolded. Daal put AZ ahead in the 24th minute. Steijn, from a penalty kick, brought Feyenoord level in the 36th. Kasius again put the home team in front at 51 minutes. But Feyenoord wasn’t done, as Bos scored in the 56th minute, and Hadj Moussa followed up in the 78th, turning the game on its head. The real gut-punch for Robin Van Persie’s squad came in the 90th minute plus seven. Meerdink converted a penalty, awarded after a completely unnecessary foul by Slory. This late drama surely felt like a cold shower for the entire team.
Feyenoord’s starting lineup for the game included Wellenreuther in goal, with Read, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, and Bos in defense. The midfield featured Valente, Timber, and Steijn. Upfront, Hadj Moussa, Sliti, and Ueda led the attack. Beyond Slory, who committed that fateful penalty in the dying moments, the bench also saw Nieuwkoop, Targhalline, Smal, and Plug enter the fray.
Interestingly, Portuguese player Gonçalo Borges, formerly with FC Porto, was not listed in the match squad. This marks the second time he has missed out, having also been absent in the previous round against Fortuna Sittard. It makes you wonder about the coach’s plans.
Despite this dramatic draw, Feyenoord still holds a clear lead at the top of the Dutch championship. They remain three points ahead of the pack. This is partly thanks to a similar twist of fate in another big match this weekend. Second-place PSV Eindhoven also drew, tying 2-2 with rivals Ajax, ensuring Feyenoord keeps its comfortable cushion.