Ayase Ueda's double salvo in the second half secured a vital 2-1 victory for Feyenoord over Excelsior at De Kuip, Rotterdam, in the Eredivisie's 27th round. Excelsior took an unexpected lead in the 28th minute through A. Zagre, but Feyenoord's persistence paid off after the break, with Ueda striking twice in quick succession to turn the game around.
First Half Struggles for Feyenoord
The first half saw Excelsior defy expectations by snatching the lead. A precise effort from A. Zagre, assisted by S. van Gassel, stunned the home crowd. Despite dominating possession with 51%, Excelsior managed only three shots on target, one of which found the back of the net. Feyenoord struggled to find their rhythm, facing stiff defensive resistance and incurring yellow cards that disrupted their flow.
Ueda's Second-Half Brilliance
The momentum shifted drastically in the second half. Initially, Feyenoord thought they had equalized early on, only for VAR to rule out Ueda's goal for offside. Unfazed, Ueda struck back in the 58th minute, leveling the score from a J. Bos pass. Just a minute later, he doubled his tally, capitalizing on R. Sterling's assist. These goals lifted Feyenoord, who ended the match with 15 shots, nine of which were on target.
Tactical Adjustments and Defensive Resolve
Feyenoord's tactical adjustments, including the introduction of B. Nieuwkoop, played a crucial role in their comeback. The home side's defensive solidity, led by players like Jakub Moder and Thijs Kraaijeveld, thwarted Excelsior's attempts to retake the lead. Feyenoord's defensive discipline was evident, conceding only two shots on target in the second half.
Statistics and Form Insights
Feyenoord's expected goals of 3.36 highlighted their attacking intent, while Excelsior's 0.84 reflected their struggle to create clear chances. Thijs Kraaijeveld was a standout with 11 duels won, showcasing Feyenoord's gritty midfield battle. This victory cements Feyenoord's strong form, marking their fourth win in their last five matches, as they push for a higher league position.
